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A later start than usual to avoid the M74 roadworks. Parked at the forrest track about halfway along the Daer Reservoir - a bit muddy, but it did the job.
The first part of the walk was along the road towards Kirkhope at the head of the loch.
- Daer Reservoir
We continued on the rough track up towards Daerhead (which was derelict). As we approached the building, Earncraig Hill and Gana Hill came into view.
- Earncraig Hill
- Gana Hill
No bridge over the Daer Water, so we had to cross the stream - no problems today after recent dry weather.
We had a late lunch after the crossing, before we started to climb the north west ridge - Whiteside Hill. An easy slope and comfortable walking.
- Looking north to Tinto from Whiteside Hill
Less an 45 minutes from the lunch stop, we arrived at the top of Earncraig Hill. Lovely views over the Solway to the Cumbrian Fells.
Quite a steep descent to Daer Hass and a straightforward ascent to Gana Hill. We picked up the track that traverses the hill, but as this was my final Donald, we veered off it towards the top as I didn't want to finish the job on a track!
- Donalds completed!
As with Earncraig Hill, great views from the top.
- Criffel and the Solway from Gana Hill
- Pointing to the Merrick - my first Donald
We took a direct line north from the summit to Thick Cleugh and from there we could follow the track back to the car. The final half hour was in the rain, in stark contrast to the bright sunshine of the day.