Dods,cleuchs beetles and toads a walk between scenic roads.

[meangarry]

Now that we are back to more seasonable weather I'll take this time stuck indoors to reflect on a walk that I went on when the sun was shining. Shining strong enogh to turn my freshly shorn heed scarlet might I add! The walk was a cracker and one which I was fortunate to undertake with my good friend Colin. Fortunate, as I have a lovely girlfriend to drop Colin and myself off at Hearthstanes farm near the Crook Inn and fortunate that my old man is an avid fisherman and was easily persuaded to collect us at the Grey Mare's Tail and factor in a spot of wild brownie fishing whilst he waited.
So the day started off leaving the A701 near the currently closed Crook Inn. (had it been open this would have made a better finishing point than starting, no matter though I had a plan )

Hearthstanes track

We followed the track that leads to Broad Law until we came upon a bridge though a field of cattle. I'm not a fan of cattle but Colin plodded on through the thick of them and they duly parted. Phew! Our route was to take us along the track following hearthstane burn where we would strike up the hillside onto Snout hill and the ridge leading up to Mathieside Cairn and Talla Cleuch Head, our first of two donalds.

Ridge leading to Talla Cleuch Head

By this time the sun was getting stronger and the steep valley side was demanding but having been up Garelet Hill on the far bank of Talla I knew the views were going to be fantastic so onward we marched. Thankfully the lesser top of Mathieside cairn was reached fairly quickly and the view onto talla revealed itself.

Garelet Hill and Talla

As we continued on to Talla cleuch head more of Talla reservior became visible. There was hardly a breath of wind on the tops never mind the water and the reflections were crystal clear, fantastic.

view from talla cleuch head

The best view was to be of talla linnfoots and into gameshope, which is also a great place to explore. Rocky and dramatic.

talla linnfoots

After admiring the views we descended down Fans law to the megget stone, a standing stone which adorns the halfway point between talla and megget and a possible trading point years ago. The only thing trading today was a beetle dealing dung!

Beetle

Even with our little green friend nearby it seemed like as good a spot as any for lunch.

Lunch, minnestrone and plenty juice!

After lunch we set off up the left side of Molls cleuch, a route rarely taken I expect with most walkers doing the circuit around loch skeen from the moffat water side. Tackling another climb soon after lunch is never the best idea especially on warm days and to be honest it was a struggle. Reaching the plateau was rewarding though, a cool breeze picked up when we got to our second donald of the day in Moll's cleuch Dod. A dyke runs along towards Firthybrig Head and we followed gleefully as the ground was flat and easy. We also knew the views of Loch Skeen to be had would be good and my plan from earlier would come into effect. I'd sent my old man a wee text to bring along a couple of cold beers! Genius!!

Lochcraig head and Loch Skeen

As always, looking down onto Loch Skeen was spectacular. With the thought of a cold beer at the front of my mind I had little thought to admire. I could only scour the banks for the sight of rod and line flashing in the sun. I couldn't see him, was he late? Had he not bothered to climb the path to the loch? The prospect of a refreshing beer faded.

Me and Lochcraig head.

I looked again and finally I spotted the beer carrier I mean fisherman.

Dad fishing (with the beers)

He was far below us on the near bank of the loch. Actually he'd managed to catch 11 trout if you believe fishermans tales that is... His claims of 11 trout were balanced with despair. Loch Skeen is one of very few places that Vendace populate. Unfortunately though Dad had caught none of those, perhaps the sun was too bright he suggested. Meh, I didn't care. I wanted my beer! By crikey it was the finest beer I've ever had. Cold and lovely. Mmm, beer. After finishing my beer Dad said he had seen some sort of orgy along the bank of the loch. Orgy? I rushed around to get a shot of the action...

Sex fest spring 2012!

Gad it was about 200 toads going at it in a pool full of thier own spoff. Double gad!
after that ordeal I came to my senses and remembered where I was.

Reflections in Loch Skeen

I took a few shots of the loch before heading down the path past the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall and down to the car park and the end of our walk. On the way down the path I got a pic of an old friend, the grey mare's tail gorilla. Check him out he's a belter.

Gorilla in the Midst

What a great day out, beetles, toads and a gorilla. All in the hills between the A701 and A708!

[SMRussell]

Some grand photos there - goes to show that the 'little' hills have a lot to offer. I will also have to compliment you on your choice of beverage. Did you know you can now get Mango flavoured Capri-Sun? The joys of the world we live in eh?

[Ranger]

Great pictures

Not look-what-my-fancy-camera-does pictures, but pics that show a natural eye for a good shot

[Graeme D]

Great story - great pictures! Cheers.

[meangarry]

Thanks guys and girls.

Mango capri sun, I'll keep my eye out for those.

I'm of the belief that if you take one hundred pictures at least one or two will turn out ok! Plus it helps when the sun is shining and the surroundings are so good.