This is my first report for some time. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with a spinal fracture and while my gym 'stuff' went to a charity shop, I was reluctant to put my hillwalking gear on Ebay! I lived in hope that I might once again venture into the hills. OK, so I'm never going to be able to climb in Torridon or Skye again but at least I can have a walk on some grassy hills. I had walked all the other hills in this area so Hods Hill seemed like a good choice, especially in the excellent weather. As I set off down the M74, I was apprehensive about how I would get on with my boots on and a rucksack on my back.
My plan was to walk up Hods Hill and then go over the Tump Wintercleuch Fell to descend by the track marked on the OS map. There was good parking at the foot of this track.
I set off on the SUW beside the small forest and then along the NE edge until I found a good atv track heading up Sweetshaw Brae. It was bright and sunny but there was a cold wind blowing. I must admit that I was taking my time but I soon reached a style over a wall to get on to the SUW on the right side of this wall. The view back down to Daer Reservoir and the hills to the south and west were very fine, as was the view ahead up Hods Hill. The going underfoot was pleasant and I was managing the incline not too badly. Reaching the summit, it was too chilly to linger, so I headed down the fence line towards Wintercleuch Fell. I found a lovely little dip out of the wind and sat for a while enjoying my lunch. After a wander around to find the highest point, I set off down the windfarm road to reach a gate at the lowest point. Through the gate there was a lovely cropped grass track leading to the made track back to the car.