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Millfore and Craignell

Millfore and Craignell


Postby colinwatson » Fri Mar 04, 2016 6:10 pm

Route description: Millfore from Black Loch

Fionas included on this walk: Millfore

Donalds included on this walk: Millfore

Sub 2000' hills included on this walk: Craignell

Date walked: 03/03/2016

Time taken: 6 hours

Distance: 16 km

Ascent: 1100m

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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.

2016-03-03 09.41.00 (640x428).jpg
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.

2016-03-03 11.40.53 (640x428).jpg
Corserine from the summit


2016-03-03 11.41.09 (640x428).jpg
Curleywee and Lamachan Hill from the summit


2016-03-03 11.41.19 (640x428).jpg
Cairnsmore of Fleet and Wigton Bay beyond


2016-03-03 11.41.55 (640x428).jpg
At the top, with Loch Dee and the Rhinns of Kells behind


2016-03-03 11.46.38 (640x428).jpg
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!

2016-03-03 12.53.55 (640x428).jpg
Millfore from near the summit of Craignell


2016-03-03 14.32.07 (640x428).jpg
The Rhinns of Kells from Craignell


2016-03-03 14.32.20 (640x428).jpg
Millfore from Craignell


2016-03-03 14.32.31 (640x428).jpg
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!
colinwatson
Stravaiging
 
Posts: 78
Munros:75   Corbetts:38
Fionas:44   Donalds:45
Sub 2000:48   Hewitts:7
Wainwrights:5   
Joined: Nov 3, 2015

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