Ness Glen 17 February

Allan, Davie Mc, Gus, Jim, Johnny, Kenny T, Robert

Dalmellington had a fair smattering of snow as we met in the car park next to the football ground. Overhead conditions were dull, but dry, as we set off just before ten o’clock following the path next to the Water of Muck for our figure of eight walk. Underfoot conditions were tricky in places with melting snow lying on mud, but we made good progress up the Straiton road, deciding to stay on it rather than taking the shortcut over the footbridge to the road up to Dalcairnie Linn. We didn’t stop for coffee at the Linn but continued up to the bench at the top of the hill for our elevenses. Soon we were off again heading for Craigengillan and then for the gorge itself.

We had wondered about whether it would be passable today but our passage up the path was trouble free although caution had to be observed with the slippy rocks. Some erosion had taken place since our last visit but nothing dramatic. Lunch was taken at the bench at the Round House Café at Loch Doon. Up until then the only overhead moisture we had had to contend with was the melting snow falling off the trees above us, but, as we lunched, we got some sleety rain, and hence, by twelve forty we were ready for the return journey by the ‘high road’.
The steepish descent beyond Tracy’s bench had to be taken with care but before too long we were at the footbridge over the Doon which was now closed due to its dangerous state, not surprising since the last time we crossed it there were many planks missing. Crossing at the road bridge, we reckoned that we would be back at the cars in forty-five minutes and this is what we achieved in what, by this time, was lovely winter sunshine.
FRT was taken at the Dalmellington Inn which seemed to have had a wee bit of refurbishment, but was bereft of the usual punters following the racing, although, of course, it was on. We were given three bowls of crisps with our drinks and when some coffees were ordered, they came with shortbread and Kit-Kats. Well done to the owners for their hospitality although Ranger Jim got the idea he wasn’t welcome when the juke box started playing a variety of traditional Irish songs including ‘Forty shades of green’ and ‘When Irish eyes are smiling’!
One of the topics of the day was the news of tragedy of the missing walkers down in the Southern Uplands. Little did we know at the time that the area concerned was Durisdeer, one of our favourite haunts.
This had been a good day out in generally very decent overhead conditions. According to him that knows these things, it had taken us four hours and seven minutes, with the last stretch along the tarmac giving his hip a real pounding.

The path next to the Muck had been badly eroded at this point

Easier going up than coming down

Traditional view up the glen

Slip-sliding down the path

It's freezing in there, but see if Holly cares!