Blimey - I never expected to see this report again,but thanks for your reply Houdi and I am very saddened to hear of the destruction/damage/problem of the viewfinderi. I know it all looks a bit ramshackle but it is quite a distinctive thing to have atop a hill. I remeber it from the front cover of a book about the River Clyde.The big mass f stones marking "the summit cairn" can actually be made out from some way away. I have seen it very clearly from the Southern Upland Way between Sanquhar and Wanlockhead.and Tinto itself can be seen for miles - I have seen it quite clerly from up in the Campsies and the Ochils(Dumyat).
Morag1 - There is a very easy and good walk to both Cairnpaple Hill and the other nearby old fort on Cockleroy.For my money it is best to start in Linlithgow (I am a public transport walker) and it takes in Beescraig Country Park and a lovely little Korean War Memorial Garden. I have done it 3 or 4 times and if I get time over the weekend will try and stick a report together.
Warning
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.