Wigtownshire Ramblers. Stinchar Bridge circular. August 2011

Leader briefs us all on today's route.

On our way up Shiel Hill.

Loch Braden

Taking  a break on the climb.



Lunch stop in the lee of the wind.



Unfortunately this rambler sat on blueberrys.

"The Hot Rod T Shirt is proudly shown off"

The Newton Stewart blogger was todays walk leader.

For todays walk I went out with Wigtownshire ramblers on a 6 mile grade "B" walk finishing up on Cornish Hill. Once the community bus arrived at the Stinchar Bridge a wee bit later than scheduled 23 walkers made there way along a road to a track which took us up a good climb to the top of Shiel Hill (508M) with its fine views of Loch Braden and the Rhins of Kells.We then made our way along a small ridge until we found a nice sheltered spot for our lunch stop sitting high above Loch Riecawr . The sun was out at this point but we had a good wind keeping it cool but on a positive note it kept the midgies at bay. The next stretch was quite tough as there was no real path to follow the walkers had to contend with heather and tussocks on boggy ground. One or two slips were made with one of the group going into a hole of water up to her waist but appeared none the worse for her wee accident. We now reached Cornish Loch which is the mouth of the River Girvan , we had to cross on a makeshift bridge providing some walkers with a bit of amusement watching everybody crossing.Up now to the summit of Cornish Hill (467M) on a good path the leader pointed out the various hills of interest which included the peak of a far off Ailsa Craig. Back down a forestry track we arrived back at the cars and for some "The Bus".Super walk in excellent company and thanks as usual to our walk leader who only arrived back from his holidays to the Emerald Isle on Thursday evening and was still feeling the effects of having enjoyed the odd Guiness or three.Well done to that man.