The Lowther hills

[Benaden887]

Sat.- Wanlockhead _ Alan and I parked the car and took the bus to North shortceugh, cross Elvan water then Lead burn and enjoy a break on Louise wood law (misspelt on th OS map).
Our route over the Lowther`s seven tops to East mount is shrouded in cloud around the 550mtr mark and will be for most of the day. Although these are rolling hills the 180mtr and three 110mtr steep drops put you below the clag line allowing great views of the countryside. The going is spongy underfoot with little snow but a stiff headwind adds the chill factor. The boundary fence - a guide in bad weather - keeps us company as we climb - then aerials suddenly loom out the mist and we take another break in the lea of the ministry complex. Now on tar macadam, with visibility down to 20 yards we follow the road, counting the snow poles. The wind is strong up here sounding like traffic - past another aerial site then to a crossroads and the image of the "Golf ball" appears out of the mist - so we take a look see, then a map check - before heading down the road to the turnoff for our last peak. The mist clears as we climb giving great views from the trig point - then a quick descent over SUW to the village for a welcome cup of coffee - Seen - a Dipper we sparked at the burn - grouse giving endless grief - lambs, sheep,rabbits, hares and the bones of - a host of small birds, peewits, larks and crows - a great day out