Blackcraig

[weaselmaster]

A quick route needed today as Allison needed to be back mid afternoon to get ready for The Pixies tonight. Decided on Blackcraig Hill as fitting the bill - 67 miles away and a short day out. Left by 7.30, minor wrong turn via Kilwinning - the drive up Glen Afton hampered by numerous road-widening vehicles- looks like more wind turbines going up on the hillside by the reservoir. Parked up by the filter station and walked back along the road to Blackcraig farm, over a ricketty corrugated "bridge" and up the hillside following a vague track. This proved a much easier ascent than the direct route up Black Glints from Craigdarroch I'd done last time.

blackcraig.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Blackcraig
P1140469 by Al, on Flickr

P1140471 by Al, on Flickr

Once on the hilltop the views out to Ailsa Craig and Arran were fine. Easy walking over the summit with various cairns, then followed a path down roughly alongside the fence to the bealach with Blacklorg Hill, then up to the small cairn at its summit. We decided to continue on to Meikledodd (a New Donald) which proved easier than last time - less boggy too. Stopped by the fence, after visiting the non-existant cairn and lunched.

P1140472 by Al, on Flickr

P1140473 by Al, on Flickr

P1140474 by Al, on Flickr

To Blacklorg
P1140475 by Al, on Flickr

Floating Arran
P1140477 by Al, on Flickr

Meikledodd
P1140478 by Al, on Flickr

Returned to the base of Blacklorg Hill, stopping to watch a quad-bike riding shepherd working his dogs (noisily). Contoured round the south of Blacklorg to meet the pass between Craigbraneoch Rigg and Cannock Hill, crossing some of the deepest moss I've encountered. Down to the Afton Reservoir, still as a mill-pond, lovely reflections.

P1140481 by Al, on Flickr

P1140483 by Al, on Flickr

P1140484 by Al, on Flickr

P1140485 by Al, on Flickr

[PeteR]

You must have been lucky to escape Kilwinning unscathed

[martin.h]

I liked the "Floating Arran" shot and the reflection photos are superb.
Thanks for sharing Al, makes me want to be there

[Fife Flyer]

Thanks for that Al, heading that way on Sunday as I mentioned to Allison on FB

Am planning to park near the farm and go for it, straight up will no doubt regret it

Love the photo's of the reservoir

[weaselmaster]

Thanks for that Al, heading that way on Sunday as I mentioned to Allison on FB

Am planning to park near the farm and go for it, straight up will no doubt regret it

Love the photo's of the reservoir

Ah you'll be fine. It's just 400m of quite steep grass. Not semi-frozen like the first time i did it.
The going between the tops should be fine for you - enjoy!

[rockhopper]

Certainly good to have hills close by for shorter winter days - this has been a rather popular hill of late - cheers