Bottoms up on the Southern Uplands!

[kev_russ]

Originally planned to walk from White Coomb towards Hartfell. Inspiration came from old danensian's great report
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33426

I wanted to reverse this route but the strong south westerly winds put paid to this idea. We ended up Setting off from Capplegill up towards the great wee hill of Saddle Yoke. The initial climb was tough, just boom and your climbing with no gentle walk in. I suspect this is why most folk descend via this route. We soon reached the ridge of Saddle Yoke. This hill really is a wee braw jewel in the southern uplands. Need to come back and play about on it in winter

Saddle Yoke
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 253 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Blackhope burn
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 254 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Saddle Yoke
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 255 a by kev_russ, on Flickr

Looking back down Saddle Yoke Ridge
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 257 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Carrifran Burn & a distant White Coomb
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 258 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Saddle Yoke
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 261 by kev_russ, on Flickr

As the wind picked up we decided to take in the high level circuit around Loch Skeen and leave Hartfell. Over Rotten Bottom the going wasn't to bad as we avoided the worst of the bog by zig zagging around the peat hags. More of the boggy ground came later as we descended White Coomb. Finally the short initial climb to Loch Craighead with good views to Loch Skeen and the surrounding hills.

Rock bottom
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 265 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Saddle Yoke
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 269 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Approaching White Coomb
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 272 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Saddle Yoke from White Coomb
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 273 by kev_russ, on Flickr

White Coomb summit
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 277 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Lochcraig Head
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 282 by kev_russ, on Flickr

White Coomb from Lochcraig Head summit
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 289 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Loch Skeen from Lochcraig Head
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 288 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Loch Skeen
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 298 by kev_russ, on Flickr

Grey Maire's Tail
Saddle Yoke - White Coomb circuit 301 by kev_russ, on Flickr

An enjoyable walk finished with food and beers in Moffat

[rockhopper]

Braw, just braw - cheers

[litljortindan]

Looks a good walk and good scenery. Maybe I will go there one day.

[dooterbang]

Some nice walking down them parts. Nice wee day out