A 2 Graham circuit from Sailfoot

[rob munbett]

The weather forecast was set fine so I decided to head South to have a walk on the hills on the south side of Moffat Dale. I parked in a good space just over the bridge at Sailfoot, just off the A708. I'd left Glasgow early, just after 7am, so there was still a chill in the air. I walked along the road to Selcoth and followed the green public footpath sign on to the track on the east side of the burn but just after the stand of trees on the right, I crossed the fence by a style, went over the Selcoth Burn and headed up the grassy hillside on to the broad NW ridge of Croft Head. It was a bit of a slog in places through tussocky grass but the summit soon came into view. I sat for a short while looking over to Capel Fell, planning my route of descent.

On Croft Head looking over to Capel Law

After a while, I headed off down the steep zig-zag path to reach the SUW by a large, circular stone sheep pen.

Beginning the descent of Croft Head

On the SUW looking back at the zig-zag track on Croft Head

I followed this route up and down and over a bridge towards Ettrick Head until I could see a fence-line heading up Capel Fell. I followed this line to the summit, which was just beyond a junction of fences. I knew my descent was quite steep so I took my time, following, for the most part, yet another fence down to the end of the made track in the glen.

Descending Capel Law

Looking over to Croft Head from the descent of Capel Law

I sat here for a while to rest my battered knees before a lovely easy stroll back to the car. A most enjoyable short day out.

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