Walkhighlands

I started the walk from Birkhill and headed up to Herman Law, the first Donald of the day. This initial climb up was the hardest part of the day and from here on the walk was fairly easy going along good firm gound with only a few boggy sections to negotiate. The only other problem encountered was the wind and i almost lost my shelter as i got in it to have lunch at Mid Rig. From Herman i then made my way over to Andrewhinney Hill, the Graham and from the over to the two other Donalds, Bell Craig and Bodesbeck Law. After reaching Bodesbeck Law i now had to get back to the car and the easiest way was to retrace my steps. I only went as far as Andrewhinney though before heading in a north east direction before crossing a burn and skirting round Trowgairn Middle and picking up a ATV track that led down to Birkihill. This route back gave me a good view of the Greymares Tail waterfall. I arrived back at the car 4hrs 45 mins after setting off.

https://plus.google.com/photos/110051255472035874897/albums/5943816991260400721

Nice photos JC, did this is Feb I think in cracking sunshine. You really need to give the nearby Donalds of the Ettrick Horseshoe a go, much better than this walk and there is nothing bad about this walk either. You also forgot to mention the Donalds called Herman and Mr.Craig

Wonder who Andrew Whinney was ?

All these grahams and donalds you do are becoming infectious - am hoping to get down here some time possibly over winter and will be consulting some of your TRs - cheers

gmr82 wrote:Nice photos JC, did this is Feb I think in cracking sunshine. You really need to give the nearby Donalds of the Ettrick Horseshoe a go, much better than this walk and there is nothing bad about this walk either. You also forgot to mention the Donalds called Herman and Mr.Craig

Hi gmr, yes i have plans to do that horseshoe, it looks a cracking route. Cheers

Collaciotach wrote:Wonder who Andrew Whinney was ?

With your knowledge of history you're tha man who would know

rockhopper wrote:All these grahams and donalds you do are becoming infectious - am hoping to get down here some time possibly over winter and will be consulting some of your TRs - cheers

Cheers, some of the walking down "south" is superb, nice and firm underfoot.

I know the area was used as a hiding place for covenanters in the killing times, nearby watch knowe was used as a look out for the redcoats coming up from thier base in Moffat. Whats more interesting for me is the slightly welsh sounding Carrifran Gans on the other side of the valley. Where did that name come from?
Your route along the tops was originally the intended route for the southern upland way which now runs along the ettrick valley. It was changed so as not to disturb ground nesting birds and birds of prey along these tops.

Whats more interesting for me is the slightly welsh sounding Carrifran Gans on the other side of the valley. Where did that name come from?

Well, Welsh was spoken around here at one point...