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Although forecast to be very windy with -10c or so wind chill, the forecast for the south looked to be the best for the day. Had a relatively long lie before the drive of less than an hour down through New Cumnock and down the road to the reservoir. Parked in a wee layby at the side of the road at NS630083.
Enough light just after 0700hrs not to require a headtorch. Walked along the road for a short way then took the Blackcraig track which winds its way up beside the Langlee Burn to Quntin Knowe.
From there headed south up to Blackcraig Hill
Some boggier stretches to walk round on the way but many were frosted over and quite crisp
Nearing the top got to a barbed wire fence – had to walk eastwards for a short way to find the wee stile
Then on to the summit
Some snow over towards the Merrick and co
Then on SSE towards Blacklorg Hill
It was bright and sunny but the wind was extremely strong. Was glad of the decision to keep the northerly wind behind me at the start. Even so it did make it very cold and difficult holding the camera steady for photos.
The reservoir looking blue in the distance
Then rather cold and windswept on closer inspection
Over Alwhat and Alhang
Turned to the NE and dropped down a little before the climb up to just below Millaneoch Hill
Turned left and headed up towards Windy Standard
Decision time now as to whether to continue on towards the donald, Moorbrock Hill. Still plenty of time left although still extremely windy. This bit would also be an out and back.
Moorbrock Hill looking rather far away
Straightforward enough walk. Got to the northerly high point
but looked like the summit was more to the south east so walked down to the 650m point.
Summit cairn and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn
Now began the walk back into the wind – hard going at times but not quite as bad as I’d thought it would be. Was starting to get hungry though.
Up and over Windy Standard again
Down to the low point before the climb up Millaneoch Hill stopped for some lunch. Thought I’d try it out to get some shelter form the wind so unpacked the two person bothy bag. “Two person” being the operative words – not quite so handy for a solo walker. Did manage to prop up the other side with the rucksack and got some shelter for the wind to eat my sandwiches and drink some coffee. Fairly long break before restarting northwards up Millaneoch Hill then on to Wedder Hill
Over Lamb Hill and up towards Black Hill to pick up the forestry track which would take me back down to the road. Lot of tree felling in the area meant that the trees marked on the map no longer existed.
Craigbraneoch Rig stood out over to the east
Watched a bird soaring for a wee while – it was calling out and I could hear another bird over to the right but couldn’t see it. Had only brought the wee digital compact which has insufficient zoom. Back home listened to some bird sounds on the intranet and reckon it sounded like it could have been a Red kite but couldn’t be sure.
Back to the road and then the walk north to the layby. Passed quite a few parked cars but hadn’t seen any other walkers. Less than an hour to drive and I was home for dinner.