Mona Gowan from Culfork

[Gordon Ballantyne]

Parking just before the gate on the RHS for a couple of cars.( NJ337103 ) Just beyond the gate at the first bend is a parking area prepared for temp storage of timber during felling ops. However, there was a lock on a chain hanging from the gatepost, so beware in case you get locked in ! (Better check at the house nearby)
On my map, this was marked as a path up Gallows hill but in fact there's a forestry track all the way to Meikle Charsk Hill and a stalking track to the summit thereafter. Also the forest to the E of Meikle Charsk Hill has been clear felled. Its still shown on the Google earth 2006 images as well as the OS map.
A pleasant stroll up the track to the summit. I pushed my bike up to the shack at the edge of the - now cleared forest.
The return from this point by bike in 7 min was exilirating - (including shutting the gate at about half way )
Great views from the top of Mona Gowan of Ben Avon, Lochnager, Mount Keen by this time. Still a wee bit blowey, and sun poking through in various places.
No photos, as my daughter had borrowed my camera for another trip. But the muckle cairn is still there !
There was a new march fence on the SE side of the summit ( I didn't think anyone could afford hill fences these days )
Also what looked like Grouse feeding stations were dotted around on muckle upturned divots. (I really must brush uo on my game husbandry ) Saw some more of the strange metal pyramids that I saw on Ladylea Hill earlier in the day, in the bealach near the grouse butts between Meikle Charsk Hill & Mona Gowan.
Great to get out for a breath of fresh air !