Wigtownshire ramblers. Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. August 2011

Double click for a Peacock Butterfly.

We saw lots of fungi today.



One of the steep climbs.



We came up this slope!!

A side view of Beninner (710M)

Beninner summit with Cairnsmore in the background.

Lunch break.

Goat's head on the end of Clennoch Bothy.

This rambler had a wee accident.(see me for details!!!)

Oh where did you get those hats.

Summit of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn (797M)

Today's walk leader.

Today Saturday August 27 I joined my mother group Wigtownshire Ramblers for a climb up to Cairnsmore of Carsphairn from the Water of Ken side which was a wee bit different to say the least. 17 walkers left the start on a fairly clear sunny morning and made our way up forest tracks to the Moorbrock holiday cottages before climbing up the paths round Green Hill . Up until now it had been fairly gentle climbing, this is where all that was to change our leader pointed out Beninner Hill which was damn near sheer so off we all went over a stream and then the real stuff began. Not too bad for the first 300 metres until we met the scree so it developed into a scramble on all fours using the grassy route trying to avoid the rocks. All safely up we were rewarded with the most amazing views of the surrounding hills including two of the four striding arches in the distance.Details of these arches can be found in the web page "Goldsworthys striding arches". This will form part of a walk to be done hopefully next Spring.Dropping down we found a sheltered spot for lunch before the final ascent to Cairnsmore of Carsphairn with its trig point on the summit. From here we took a steep way down to Clennoch Bothy through some tussocks and bogs much to the delight of the group, there were one or two wee falls here but nothing too serious. At the bothy we admired the work that has been done to keep this place clean and watertight so full marks to the person or persons responsible.Now we were back onto good solid tracks which took us the 4 miles back to the start. A long day but a most enjoyable one spent in the Galloway Hills with some good old tough climbs to be rewarded with wonderful clear views from the summits. Thanks to our leader who as usual did not disappoint us in his choice of route maybe not the most conventional but without doubt the most challenging. Thanks to all who took part and I look forward to seeing you all again in the not too distant future.