Garryhorn burn trio

[Benaden887]

It looked as though the rough Galloway tussock grass would win the day as we ploughed an uneven course through the snow and east wind up the mountainside towards Coran of portmark, our first top. Battered by the gale, consideration was giving to calling it a day - lasting only until goretx jacket and leggings were pulled from the sacs and hastily donned - I was glad I had my winter boots and ski goggles. The views over Loch Doon and surrounding countryside from here were superb - albeit in winter`s muted colours - the promised sunshine did not appear so leaden skies and clag became the order of the day - but we were up the height - and with our bagger heads on - indecision was swept away as we hurried over Bow towards our second top Meaul - this section was the wildest - the wind doing its best to drive us off route as the windchill reached -8 Alan`s drink tube had frozen and ice was in my water bottle -But the trig point was where we turned for home . We dropped down to the col gaining respite from the wind and nourishment from our sacs - the fed and watered climbed Cairnsgarroch making use of a herd of sheep that ran before us making tracks in the snow. Then down across the frozen bog to the mining house and track taking us back to the car - My thanks to Alan for breaking trail and waiting - I could have finished the route on my own - but it would have taken me a lot longer.