free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
A very snowy day, but with none falling and patchy blue skies, this looked like it was going to be a lovely walk. And it was, but my hopes to carry on to Blackhope Scar along the ridge dissolved fairly quickly as it was slow going with ankle-thigh deep snow, none of which was quite frozen enough to support my weight. Oh to be a mountain hare skipping along the surface...mind you, this is a grouse moor so I suspect the farmer thinks hares are his enemies: nasty tick infested things.
But having parked by the B709 I was soon getting lovely views.
- Looking N to Burntshell Rig and beyond
- Windlestraw Law
The snow did start to have a frozen crust towards the top, but only rarely so that it could support me so it was a foot deep slog to the top. A good slog.
- A disused trap on Earnhope Slack
The wind picked up heading for the top bringing a light drifting of snow and chilling my face to the point of balaclava-neediness for the first time this winter.
- Nearing the summit from the N
The top reached, photos were taken and second layer of gloves applied.
- The hills of last week seen from the summit - Dun Rig, Glenrath Heights and Stob Law with Dollar Law on the right.
- Down Leithen Water
I headed off to do some of the ridge towards Blackhope Scar getting as far as the 607m lump.
- Broughton Heights over Glentress Forest from 607m lump
A little further on I decided that there was little point in tramping along the ridge much further so decided to descend by about the steepest slope around. Which was fun. I restrained my urge to sledge...
- The way down
And back to the car, meeting a hard working shepherd on the way, struggling to feed his sheep. Even his dogs looked like they would prefer to be indoors.
Another Donald climbed, again on a slightly shorter route than I'd hoped. I daresay the bogs would put you off getting all the way to Blackhope Scar in the summer, but I will do that all one day. Perhaps traverse all the Moorfoot Donalds in one go...?