| The
ascent line to the cairn at 2286 ft (697 m) is not particularly steep. Yet the going is not
all that easy over the long grass that wind and water has formed into uneven tussocks.
At least it is soft if you fall! |
While
crossing this area do not be surprised to hear the sound of water below your feet. This is
an indication of small burns running in almost invisible channels just below the thin surface of peat you are walking on. |
|
|
| On
the first three walks documented here, the weather deteriorated suddenly while on Queensberry
summit. The first walk was concluded by a direct descent to the shelter of the glen.
From there a low level walk was taken back down the course of the Capel Burn to
Mitchellslacks. |
On the
second walk we were well prepared for winter conditions and went on by
Penbreck shoulder, crossing the glen to Earncraig and walked the Gana Hill, Hard Hill, Haggie Hill ridge back
to Locherben Farm which is located further along the road from Mitchellslacks. |
|
| Queensberry Summit in
December with low cloud blowing in from the south west. |
|
| Sunlight
glinting on the Solway, Criffel in silhouette and squalls of
sleet blowing in from the north east. |
|
| Scattered
remains of cairn on Queensberry Summit -- notice the small
sheltered neuk among the stones. |
|
During
my solo ascent the weather deteriorated and the summit was
swept by winter squalls of rain and sleet.
I too
advantage of this small neuk, built into the cairn, to provide
me with a temporary shelter. |
Out of the
wind I was able to evaluate my options. After
some food and a hot drink I made a quick descent back to the
sheep pens and then by road to Mitchellslacks. (Photo
taken using the camera's delay timer.) |
|
