I was looking for a gentle route up a hill on a path (after the previous day fighting up a steep slope with bracken and crags). The Southern Upland Way has been rerouted to go over Croft Head so I thought I would try this approach, though hadn't managed to find out many details. I started where the Way goes along a track beside the Moffat Water, there is room for a car or two there. Shortly after entering the forest, the Way dives off into the trees on a small path. The noticeboard shows the new SUW route.
The path crosses a burn on a bridge and continues gently up above the burn, joins a track for a while then a path led me uphill through birches then firs. Willow warblers were calling. A bit of motorway track then a narrow path up beside the edge of the forest, onto the ridge and along to the summit, with a narrow section by Crookedside Sclenders.
After an early lunch on the summit, I returned the same way. There are alternative routes back but I reckoned they would all involve more track.
Warning
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.