3rd Attempt & no squeaking

[Fife Flyer]

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After another trip down to Englandshire to check up on my parents, this was my 3rd attempt to climb Lamington Hill. The first planned attempt was in June, but as I went through Lamington it was chucking it down and no hills could be seen The second attempt was last month, all was almost going to plan, however it was baking hot with no wind and as I reached the foot of the hill I was attacked/assaulted by huge numbers of insects, and not being a great lover of little flying things I abandoned the walk. I knew I would be heading through Lamington again so I romped downhill to escape being eaten alive
My plan was to climb the hill on the way back north, mainly because the forecast was better So after a slow drive up the M6, M74 & then onto the A702 I arrived in the church car park and was the only vehicle, it was a tad blowy, but I was determined to summit this time I realised this morning before I left my parents, that I had forgotten to bring my map and route, so this was going to be a memory test
I set off at 1.45pm wearing my NEW boots, no it's not a typing mistake, I finally purchased a pair of Salomon Quest 4D GTX in Dundee last weekend and it is taking some getting used to not hearing the squeaking, I am now able to sneak up on sheep and other animals
The first part of the walk is probably the hardest, that involves walking the 50yds or so along the edge of the A702, there is no pavement so care needs to be taken before crossing the road
Once across the road you then head up the tarmac road towards Baitlaws House. The following photo's describe the route One thing you do notice is that the 3 gates you have to negotiate all have different forms of opening/locking

The road up towards Baitlaws House

Looking back towards the A702

The first gate

The track after progressing through the first gate

The local residents who had strange orangey coloured coats

The 2nd gate

The next obstacle is nice little wooden bridge, you do have the option to paddle across the ford if you like wet feet

Take the left hand path to the final gate before you go onto the open moorland

The path uphill, easy walking

Another decision, take the left hand path

More bracken which is on it's last legs and turning brown.

The walk as described by the photo's above was very pleasant and fairly easy, the last part is fairly steep, but you know the summit isn't far away Took me 50mins to reach the summit, admittedly I didn't hang about
You get great views of the surrounding area, the rolling hills of the borders, sadly there is the usual blot on the landscape, I think we all know what I am referring to

Summit cairn

Tinto

The Clyde

Coulter Reservoir

The "BLOT" with the edge of the trig point in the foreground

Biggar zoomed

Looking down on Baitlaws

Looking back up towards the summit from the good quad bike track

A nice little enjoyable walk, will need to study the rest of the hills near the A702 to see what is next on my list

[PeteR]

A nice view of Tinto Martin

I remember a very windy day doing that one.

It's also a view I've had from the train week on week for the best part of the last year

[Gordie12]

Why would you sneak up on sheep, actually, don't answer that

Always good to do some Sub 2000's - great views for a lot less effort.

Hope the boots work out - I hate new boots, I'm on my 4th pair this year

[jepsonscotland]

Nice one Martin.
Great news on the new boots, let's see who mentions them in a report first!!
Now that you'll be silent on the hill, how will we find you, when you wander off path...............?????????
Cheers
Chris

[Flump]

Hey,
Nice choice on the boots, I bought the exact same ones last week but have yet to try them out on the hills.

[Fife Flyer]

Hope the boots work out - I hate new boots, I'm on my 4th pair this year

4th pair My one pair lasted 15yrs, even though they did squeak a wee bit

Now that you'll be silent on the hill, how will we find you, when you wander off path...............????????? Cheers Chris

I do carry a whistle Chris

Nice choice on the boots, I bought the exact same ones last week but have yet to try them out on the hills.

Feel quite pleased now, hope yours aren't the same colour