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Pretty sure Monday was a better day, but it was the obligatory “knee rest day” after a big cycle on Sunday, so Tuesday it was. I couldn’t be bothered getting up very early, but with the longer days it didn’t really matter. After an uneventful drive I arrived at the car parking area (or it may have been an oversized passing place) just short of Kirkhope Cleuch and started walking shortly after 10.
I followed a muddy track just before the gate but soon cut through and across the wall and fence as the walking looked easier there. It was more exposed here and the wind was whipping up a storm. I could feel moisture in the air and before long I stopped to add waterproofs. I squished my way through some bogs and across a fence or two and began the climb up to Comb Law, following the fence posts all the way to the unmarked summit.
Looking back it was wet and windy
Comb Law summit
It was very windy (too windy for posing) but I could at least see the way ahead for now. My second summit looked a long way away
Ahead to Ballencleuch Law
Onwards, I followed the fenceposts over Hirstane Rig, through bog and up to Ballencleuch Law. All the way along it was insanely windy and I was battling against it and trying to hang onto my hat. This summit was at least sort of marked but it was way too blowy to risk my camera for a pose
It had at least stopped raining.
Sort of cairn…
Summit 2
Looking ahead to Skaw’d Law
Lowther Hill and friends
From here it was an easy but windy trek to Scaw’d Law, yet again unmarked and seemingly with 2 different options for summits. I visited them both and decided to push on. It was not a day for hanging around. I was also thinking about escape routes as this was definitely Type 2 fun and I wasn’t sure if I could be bothered with spending many more hours being blown around
Number 3
Wedder Law ahead
Another easy plod to my next summit, Wedder Law. The advantage of changing direction was a bit of respite from the wind. But all too soon I was at the summit, and being blown around again.
From here it was easy again to Gana Hill. I could see a track heading up it but figured the direct route would be quicker as I’d have to bog hop to get to the track
It was quite steep but arriving at the summit ridge I was greeted by an actual cairn
and a wind shelter. It wasn’t the actual summit (that was further along) but I utilised the wind shelter for a cheeky pose at last
Looking down towards the reservoir
Earncraig Hill and Queensberry
After visiting the actual summit of Gana Hill, marked by a less impressive cairn, it was a simple case of following more fenceposts across a boggy bealach (there was an ATV track which seemed to be boggier than the actual bog
) and then following a vague path up the steep side of Earncraig Hill, weaving around the crags. I climbed over a barbed wire fence to get to the summit although turned out there was a more easily climbable fence further round that wasn’t visible at the time.
Looking back to Gana Hill
Summit 6
From here, Queensberry didn’t look too far away but unfortunately due to geology and lack of wings I had to take the long way round
I followed fenceposts down Berry Rig before dropping down to Capel Yetts across bogs and peat hags. The reason for the diversion…
From here it was a steep climb up Penbreck, a lot of peat hags to cross and then a climb up Queensberry Shoulder…
….to the summit where I was brutally attacked by the full force of the wind
I dumped my stuff in the wind shelter and made the final climb up the huge cairn on my hands and knees. I attempted to stand and was nearly blown over
I retreated back to my belongings on my backside and sheltered from the wind for a few minutes.
Shelter for a pose…
Lowther Hill and pals
Some serious wind power
Today’s route
Lowther Hill’s distinctive radio tower
It was a case of retracing my steps to Capel Yetts, before climbing back up to the North Ridge of Earncraig Hill.
Looking back up to Earncraig Hill
Gana Hill and Wedder Law
Previous users of this route have dropped down the other side, crossed the river and enjoyed a nice easy walk out along the track all the way down the valley. I thought a stroll down the ridge might be nicer (plus I have a fear of river crossings
) so walked over Lamb Hill, Over Law and Nether Law before dropping down to Crookburn, borrowing their bridge and walking back along the road to the car arriving back just before 6.
The reservoir from Over Law
Looking back
Sunny reservoir
Guard sheep
Looking up the Kirkhope burn towards Comb Law
It was an easy drive home, and whilst stopping to feed Blondie I discovered cookie and cream flavoured KitKats. Day made
