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Earncraig Hill & Gana Hill

Earncraig Hill & Gana Hill


Postby colinwatson » Wed May 25, 2016 8:32 pm

Donalds included on this walk: Earncraig Hill, Gana Hill

Date walked: 23/05/2016

Time taken: 6 hours

Distance: 16 km

Ascent: 600m

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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.

2016-05-23 11.04.29 (640x428).jpg
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.

2016-05-23 11.49.39 (640x428).jpg
Earncraig Hill


2016-05-23 11.49.48 (640x428).jpg
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.

2016-05-23 13.27.39 (640x428).jpg
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!

2016-05-23 14.52.43 (640x428).jpg
Donalds completed!


As with Earncraig Hill, great views from the top.

2016-05-23 14.54.35 (640x428).jpg
Criffel and the Solway from Gana Hill


2016-05-23 14.56.53 (640x428).jpg
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.
colinwatson
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Posts: 78
Munros:75   Corbetts:38
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Re: Earncraig Hill & Gana Hill

Postby Graeme D » Wed May 25, 2016 10:46 pm

Congratulations! Yes, I remember the great views from these hills back in December. NOT!
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Graeme D
 
Posts: 3996
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Location: Perth

Re: Earncraig Hill & Gana Hill

Postby SecretSquirrel » Thu May 26, 2016 8:58 am

colinwatson wrote: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!


Congrats on completing the Donald's :clap: Nice to have views back to your first!
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SecretSquirrel
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Location: Hamilton

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