Around Blackhope Burn

[dav2930]

Wall-to-wall sunshine was forecast for Saturday 21st, with promise of light snow on the ground. Sounded like a good day for walking in the Tweedsmuirs - a surprisingly neglected area (at least by Karl and myself) considering the quality of the scenery and walking.

The plan was to bag the Corbett of Hart Fell via the horseshoe circuit around Blackhope Burn, taking in the three additional Donalds of Under Saddle Yoke, Cape Law and Swatte Fell. Hopefully we'd be back in time for a brew in Moffat!

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Parked up just east of the bridge over Blackhope Burn and set off walking at 9.15am. We'd decided to go anti-clockwise as we liked the look of the ascent up the ridge of Saddle Yoke.

Looking up the Blackhope valley to a snowy Hart Fell, from the track at the start.

A gate with a sign warning that dogs might be shot opens onto a vehicle track heading up the Blackhope valley. After a few hundred yards is a second gate giving access to the open hillside. We struck off right here to gain the ridge. There wasn't much evidence of a path (maybe the dusting of snow helped to conceal it), so we just followed our noses up, which was fun. A clear path emerged on the little 494m top.

Looking across to Black Craig from the 494m top.

There was a stiff breeze up here so on went the windproofs (it was pretty cold too), but according to the forecast the wind would ease off as the day progressed.

Hart Fell at the head of Blackhope Burn

Saddle Yoke ahead

The wonderfully named Carrifran Gans peeping above the east ridge of Saddle Yoke

Looking south to Croft Head and the Knowes

East to the Bell Craig ridge on the far side of Moffat Water

View south-west, Criffell on horizon

The wind was very keen and we wondered if the forecast would be right.

Hart Fell above Cold Grain

White Coomb etc. across a nameless valley.

On the surprisingly narrow ridge of Saddle Yoke

The Bell Craig hills from Under Saddle Yoke

Heading down to the col from Under Saddle Yoke and up towards Cape Law was fairly rough going on tussocky grass, but things improved as a faint path emerged near the fence higher on Cape Law.

Heading for Cape Law

We expected it to be blowing a hoolie up here, but there was only a gentle breeze. Looked like the forecast was right after all.

Summit of Cape Law

More tussocky going down from Cape Law and back up towards Hartfell Rig - rather tiring in fact.

Saddle Yoke from Cape Law

Smoother walking from here on.

Approaching summit of Hart Fell

Summit of Hart Fell

Time for sandwiches and a hot drink in the partial shelter around the trig point.

View south-east from Hass o' the Red Roads

Summit of Swatte Fell

South-west Swatte Fell, Criffell on horizon

Head of Blackhope valley

Saddle Yoke from Nether Coomb Craig

Looking down Nether Coomb Craig

The views down Black Craig were spectacular.

Saddle Yoke from Black Craig

The descent from Black Craig was very steep towards the bottom, with only the vaguest of paths to follow among the sheeptrods. But this had been a fascinating walk with some impressive scenery, extensive views and grand walking in big, open country. Very enjoyable.

We were back at the car by 3.45pm - would we make the teashop in Moffat before it closed? Yeah, no problem; and a fine brew it was too!

[Silverhill]

What a great walk in fantastic conditions! The dusting of snow gives these hills a completely different character, they seem much wilder.

[dav2930]

What a great walk in fantastic conditions! The dusting of snow gives these hills a completely different character, they seem much wilder.

Thanks Silverhill!
My first experience of this area was on White Coomb less than a year ago, and it was a revelation. I just didn't realize how wild and dramatic these hills are. Considering how close they are to my home that's really quite shameful! As you say, a dusting of snow seems to exaggerate their wildness! The sunny, crisp conditions were such a pleasant contrast to the abysmal weather we'd been having up until then.

[Nige R]

Am planning on going to do this route in May/June. Have had good reports on its' quality, from your pictures and report it seems to be true!

[dav2930]

Am planning on going to do this route in May/June. Have had good reports on its' quality, from your pictures and report it seems to be true!

Sorry to have missed your comment Nige, not sure what happened there, but thanks
We were surprised at the quality of the scenery in these underrated hills. It is indeed a good walk, though Cape Law was a bit of a drag and the views from it rather drab. Missing Cape Law out would actually make a better (and shorter) walk, though if you're ticking Donalds then you'll probably want to include it. Good luck with your trip in May/June.