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Been a bit under the weather this week, so chose a shorter walk today.
Parked at the Black Loch car park, but had to follow the track all of the way round to progress! No hardship though.
- The Black Loch
The weather was reasonably bright in the morning, though cold, and I was able to follow the track for quite a distance. I decided to take the track as far as the high point below Buckdas of Cairnbaber, although were I to climb this hill again, I would take a more direct approach over Kirkloch. The underfoot conditions were fine and I made quick progress to the south east ridge and from there to the summit.
- Corserine from the summit
- Curleywee and Lamachan Hill from the summit
- Cairnsmore of Fleet and Wigton Bay beyond
- At the top, with Loch Dee and the Rhinns of Kells behind
- Wigton Bay and the Solway Firth
It took about as long to get back to the track as it did to climb up. After that, it was a tortuous route over Munwhul as I made my way to Craignell - typical Galloway lower terrian....tussocky grass, heather and boulders. It took an age to reach Bennan, where I was glad to start climbing again. Once up the initial slope, it isn't too far to the summit - although it is quite difficult to determine which of the bumps on the ridge is actually the highest point!
- Millfore from near the summit of Craignell
- The Rhinns of Kells from Craignell
- Millfore from Craignell
- Summit lochans
I followed the south west ridge down to the forrest and from there followed the course of the Tonderghie Burn. Again, underfoot conditions were challenging and had the burn been in spate, it could have been really tough going.
To regain the track (just above the Black Loch), you need to cross the burn and then take a sheep track that climbs up steeply to the bend in the track. From there, it was only a few minutes downhill walking back to the car.
Another enjoyable day in Galloway, although if I were to revisit Craignell I would choose a different route!