Wigtownshire Ramblers. Beneraird from Ballantrae. August 2011

Leader ready for the off!



Stopped to admire the views.



Ailsa Craig looked very close.

On top of Beneraird (439M)

Trying to cross the burns was fun.

This guy did a lot of the walk in his bare feet!

Drookit walkers arrive back at the start.



The farmer was today's smiling walk leader.

Today I travelled to Ballantrae to meet up with my mother group Stranraer and Wigtownshire ramblers for a 13 mile circular walk which would take us to the summit of Beneraird (439M).17 of us  started off from the cemetery we crossed the A77 and  took the path which passes Auchairne House on its way up towards Big Fell and eventually onto Beneraird. It was a lovely sunny morning for this type of walk not too steep just a gentle gradient that was well within this group's capabilities.Once on the summit the leader pointed out various hills we could see which included the Papps of Jura. I have done a quick calculation using my route highlander maps to work out  the distance. Answer 80 miles app.not bad from a wee hill in South Ayrshire.From here we retraced our path before branching off to go up Big Fell (316M) unfortunately the rain that was forecasted to arrive in the afternoon did just that. On with the waterproofs we  carried on over Ballkissock Hill down onto a forestry road and along to Laggan House caravan park. The rain now was a constant drizzle as we walked down an old overgrown road which was once the main track to Laggan House . Reaching the tarmac road at the gatehouse it was another mile back to the cars. Even though we got wet in the afternoon we all enjoyed the walk and a vote of thanks was given to the leader. It was nice to meet up with old friends again well some older than others if you get my meaning hope to see you all again soon.