free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Good parking at the start of this walk as per WH. You can tell you have arrived by the 'No Parking beyond this sign'. Could get 5 cars in here anyway and room for creative parking too. Pretty straight forward slow climb up the drove road up and over Kirkhope Law and Birkscairn Hill. Went over all the tops on the way up, just for the views.
The walk ahead to Dun Rig and back by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Glanrath Heights and return route by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Birks Cairn by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
3 hours later was having lunch at the top of Dun Rig. The walk through the peat hags had been OK, nothing too bad that couldn't be avoided.
Dun Rig trig point by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Once over Dun Rig the path slowly fades away to a faint track, a sure sign that the going isn't great. Resist the temptation to keep close to the fence and cut over at the head of the valley losing a little height on the way. If you don't the going gets pretty wet and boggy. You can tell I'd strayed a bit too high.
The route over to Glenrath Heights, Pikestone Hill etc in background by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Once back over at the fence climbing Glenrath Heights is much easier going. I thought twice about going to Stob Law, but the thought of another wee blue balloon convinced be. It was easier than it looked.
View over to Stob Law by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Once back over, the short cut goes through another boggy bit so watch your step and your direction to avoid the worst. The path disappearing is always a bad sign and it does so here. Across the fence again and the track comes back.
The return route from Scawd Law by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
The final descent by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
It is a long but firm walk down to the farm track along the valley back to the car park. Once on tarmac then you are in the gentrified countryside of the estate. There is a donation box for walkers to consider, if they have enjoyed the walk they can make a donation for riding for the disabled. OK I did.
Glad to get back to the car in the regulation 6 hours. Naismith time is possible for me down here it seems, must be getting fit at last.
