100 up on a clear winter stroll on Fell Hill
Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 3:36 pm
This made a great winter's afternoon stroll, squelchy but lovely. We parked just where the forestry meets the road not far from the junction between the Corsock road and the wee road past Loch Urr towards Dunscore. From there the route choice is simple - follow the track to the woods, through them to Fell Cottage, and go straight up the hill from there.
There was a lot of mud and the track was under construction in places. It could well be used more soon if they want to retrieve anything from the many fallen trees following the recent storms. Fell Cottage is in a beautiful, isolated spot. A complete ruin with several outbuildings and lots of small walled enclosures around it. On many walks I think I've found my new project and this would be a good one. Resurface the track, straighten the walls, put on a roof and make it watertight, then take your time getting the rest right... Then I remember reality. Reality is good, but it's nice to dream.
From Fell Cottage there's about 500m to go up an occasionally reasonably steep slope and then you're rewarded with views all round. The Galloway Hills were in clouds to the west, but everything else, from Criffel to the Lowthers was great in the low, fading light.
Return by the way you've come for a few hours' rewarding walk. A lovely way to bring up 100 Sub2000 footers.