Ness Glen circular from Dalmellington. May 2012

Craigengillan outdoor curling rink.

All the teacher needed now was a curling stone.

The dramatic Ness Glen

A damp cloudy Loch Doon.

Today three of us hardy souls went out from Dalmellington in the wind and rain for a walk up Ness Glen in the Cragengillan Estate at Dalmellington.This was a 7 mile walk we have done before most recently with Cunninghame Ramblers. when the weather was a bit kinder to us than it was today. We followed the usual road through the estate until we reached the glen which was in full flow after all the rain we have had recently. Coming back along the top path passed the wooden fort we could see the new dark sky observatory  which is presently under construction to be completed  later on this year and will be a welcome added attraction to this area.Once back in the estate we had our lunch stop down at the river watching swallows darting about catching flies which was a first sighting for me this year to see so many at one time . This is about 1 month later than usual due to the recent cold weather. Back to the cars for an early finish we  were all a wee bit wet but it was nice just to get out after being stuck indoors yesterday due to the inclement conditions.