Walkhighlands

Stage 1 - OK

Stage 2 - The instructions do not adequately describe what's on the ground. I did find the stone "bridge" but only by using luck, judgement and my OS map.

Stage 3 - There is no "faint path" up.

Stage 4 - I did this walk in perfect weather and the views were stunning

Stage 5 - There is no faint path down. Eventually after an extremely unpleasant descent which would have been downright dangerous in anything other than ideal conditions I did end up at the correct stile but once again only by using luck, judgement and my OS map. After a difficult time clambering through fallen trees and debris I reached the forest tracks. The instructions were of no use in finding the correct track as there were an number of alternatives. I did find Prof Hans Hoiberg Road only to find it closed due to logging operations. Luckily the operator of the machine stopped work to allow me through and I am not sure how I would have got back to my car otherwise as my map showed no alternative route.

I am reasonably experienced walker and want my walks to be a bit of a challenge but the difficulties I experienced, especially those related to the owners of the estate obviously not being committed to keeping things open for walkers, would lead me not to recommend this walk to anyone.

Lack of path on the ground is a common problem in Galloway, although it does show that it is a largely unfrequented area.

That Forrest Lodge estate is very strange indeed, with the odd track names (Prof Hans Hoiberg Road and the like). I tried to find out more, but there is very little on the Interweb. Seems very secretive to me.

I would be interested if anybody knows anything about it.

If it is stated that there is a path then surely the danger is that an inexperienced person may attempt the walk under the impression that they can get round just by following a visible route on the ground?

This walk needs a better description and a warning that you need a proper map and will have to do your own navigation.

Hmm...my (somewhat vague) memory of descending the eastern shoulder of Mickle Millyea is of a vague path, but I guess it depends on your definition of path. Still, pretty much par for the course in the Scottish hills, other than a few really popular ones I think.

I found the place quite friendly. It was obvious that the folks of the Estate were about and after parking up in the Parking area I went on my way. The folks seemed to be Norwegian? I found a path that suited me to reach the area outside of the plantations. Poor weather, wet with low cloud. Not much in the way of paths on the hills and I didn't come down the way that I ascended but with a big plantation to kind-of muscle through.....I did get back to my car . A bit the same sort of musculing through to do on the other Corbett Shalloch on Minnoch. Much easier going on Cairnsmore where you could, if nimble of foot, balance your way up the wall to the top. I actually watched a squirrel doing this. But all that was eight years ago.

Hi

Just thought I'd add my tuppence worth, the estate is owned by part of the Fred Olsen Group (I'm new so can't post link to wiki page for Olsen group but there's a bit of info if you google them), which is why the fire roads have Norwegian names. Although I note one is called Robert Watson, so that may be a local reference.

Regarding the path up, I was there at the beginning of April 2014 and the path was exceptionally faint. I lost it somewhere near Polmaddy Gairy, albeit the visibility was horrendous. However, I was there on Sunday 27th July 2014 and the path was far clearer - in fact I ran to the top of corserine without once having to stop and take a bearing despite the cloud blowing over and reducing visibility.

I can't comment on the path down as both trips discretion has been the better part of valour and I've descended back down corserine rather than attempt the ridge in dreadful visibility.

Definitely a walk for experienced navigators with a map and compass though, if the weather blows in it's your only chance of getting down safely.

Hope this helps
Duncan