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Out with the ADRC to Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, a Corbett, and the forecast was for challenging conditions at the top 40-50mph winds with a wind chill factor of -20, fun at the top. It must be 15 years since I have been here but some things never change. Parked at Green Well of Scotland, take care big holes and drop for the car.
Burn fence or Coo muck
For a start, no change re the coo field covered in their droppings which with this cold weather they were at least solid on top but the tail enders might be breaking through the crust, if so we will smell them before we see them.
Landrover track
Another factor unchanged was the dyke wall up Willieanna, Dunool etc but today were skirting it in the ascent. Snow topped summit seen peaking up ahead.
Straight forward up the rough track until we meet the dyke. Plenty of frozen water patches and these icicles show that not much sun gets here.
Still cold
Simply follow the dyke so can’t get lost.
Dyke to top
It was already pretty cold but we had been partially sheltered from the wind. But as we reached the snowline it was picking up big style. The new snow was soft enough to kick into but the icy patches around rocks care had to be taken.
Wild winds nearing summit
Then the last 100 metres was a different world, it felt like gale force winds battering us and even the biggest and heaviest of us were struggling to keep our feet. It has been a while since I have been on top in such strong winds.
Trig
Some were hiding behind the cairn, others tried sheltering beside the trig, snow clings to the transmitter mast. One bonus was we could not spend any time looking at the Glen Afton wind turbines.
The descent
After regrouping a change of plan as we would have been descending into the wind so opted to descend just below the crest of the hill via Black shoulder; Dunool & Willieanna. Still cold and windy but the right choice. Great views of the Rhinns on the descent amidst the many snow flurries.
Black shoulder and top
Finally back through the coos but following burn fence, no volunteers to risk the potentially thawed coo dung swamp.
A wild experience up top but a good day out.
