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The truth was that I didn't know how far I'd get on this walk - my legs were a bit tired and heavy after having been out on the hills during the week and then doing 3 back to back 10k runs on the days preceding - so, in the end, I was short of the full circuit but happy, nonetheless, with my day out. I drove down early to park at the Daer reservoir near Kirkhope Cleuch. The dense fog had just lifted when I set off up the wet ATV track beside the wall at the forest's edge.
- Comb Law from the start
The only problem with this ascent was a nasty barbed wire fence - and I'm talking large barbs! The views from the top of Comb Law over to the Lowthers was mighty fine and I could see the route ahead to Ballencleuch Law, taking note especially of the many peat hags en route.
- The Lowthers from Comb Law
- Ballencleuch Law from the descent of Comb Law
These peat hags were the only issue in the pleasant stroll over Hartstane Rig - they did cause a few detours but at least I saw quite a few mountain hares.
- Lovely peat hags on Ballencleuch Law
The walk up to the summit of this hill was very easy on what I would call a grassy road!
- The summit of Ballencleuch Law
After a bite to eat and some tea, Scaw'd Law was next on the agenda and, again, it was just a case of following the ATV tracks to the top.
- Descending Ballencleuch Law looking over to Scaw'd Law
There was quite a descent before the climb to Wedder Law but this was made 'easier' by following a gravel and stone road down and up - the down being pleasant fine red gravel, the up being unpleasant grey sharp stones.
- Descending to the road up Wedder Law
On this top, my legs were beginning to feel it, so I decided to head off over Shiel Dod over a 'grouse shooting' road which dropped down to the track at the bottom of Thick Cleuch.
- Gana Hill and Earncraig Hill from Shiel Dod
I have to say that the five and a half km walk back to the car from here looked OK on the map but was a bit of a pain in reality - the track was very rough and stony and meandered down the glen with so many twists and loops that I didn't seem to be making much progress and by this time the heat was beginning to stoke up. We've all been there! It was a relief to finally reach the car and get the boots off.