Cunninghame ramblers. Mid week walk to Todholes and Kirkland Hills near Kirkonnel. June 2014.

Remains of Fauldhead Pit baths

First climb was up Todholes Hill (481M)

Telecommunication mast at the summit

He was a member of Cunninghame ramblers

our leader laid some flowers.

Some well sign posted routes today.

Another very colourful top today

Lunch on Kirkland Hill (511M)

Some of the bridges that cross the Bakers Burn

They were pleased to see us

Group at summit of Todholes Hill.

The local lass took good care of us today
Yesterday Wednesday June 18 Cunninghame ramblers travelled to Kirkonnel in Dumfies and Galloway to climb Todholes and Kirkland hills. It was a very warm slightly misty morning as we left the village behind and walked up to the remians of Fauldhead Pit which was a major employer in the area at one time employing over 1000 miners in its peak year of 1949. The first climb was up Todholes where we followed an old track zig zagging its way to the summit where we had a break to replace all the fluids we had lost in the heat. Now we had a hard road walk for 1 mile passing a memorial to one of the groups members who sadly passed away in 1997 in the middle of a recce for the group so we stopped and our leader laid a small floral tribute  whilst we remembered him.At the base of Kirkland hill another short water break before ascending to the summit where lunch was taken admiring the views of the hills around us. Descending was a wee bit tricky on the tussocky paths before reaching the Bakers Burn that took us back to the village where our cars were parked. Thanks to our leader who was born and raised here her local knowledge certainly added to the days enjoyment making all the hard stiff climbs in the midday heat worthwhile. Thanks again.
PS. Sorry the fonts appear to be a bit out, need to contact the my blog Mentor for advice.