Craiglee 1st June

 

Alan, Allan, Dougie, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Malcolm, Paul, Robert

This was to be a new walk for the Ooters, and it has been a while since we’ve been able to say that. It was a pleasantly dry morning with the sun threatening to break through as Robert, armed with a map, led us from the car park opposite Loch Doon Castle and up the Craiglee trail. The climbing started immediately and, before long, layers were being dispensed with. The path was decent, but its steepness was telling on Allan particularly who, accompanied by his minders, Iain and Ian, made several view-stops in order to get a breath. Nonetheless all made it to the top of the hill by about ten to eleven and Allan was well pleased. His joy was shattered though as it was explained that this hill, Wee Hill of Craigmulloch, 427m, was only a staging post for Craiglee, 529m, which was the big lump in front of us.

Unfortunately, to get to Craiglee we would have to lose most of the height we had gained, cross the valley floor, and try and follow the path up the hill. Having rested for five minutes, the group set off gingerly down the steepish side of the Wee Hill and crossed the damp and tussocky valley before ascending Craiglee. Another steep climb faced us, and it was with some relief that coffee was called for half-way up. Malcolm had brought with him a fruit loaf, made by Mary from Dundonald Castle, which he shared to everyone’s delight. He has been tasked to supply one every week.

Moving on up we eventually found a better path which took us towards a cairn near the top, but we avoided this and headed for the trig point a bit further over. It was about ten minutes to midday by now and lunch was taken whilst the views were enjoyed. Having recently returned from Crete, Malcolm produced a bottle of raki (and some wee plastic cups) for the assembled company to enjoy. It reminded us of the time we were on Bute, the day Davie C led us up to Port Bannatyne (29 May 2019), when he also produced the same spirit leading those who enjoyed it too much to go from raki to ruin!

After lunch we carefully made our way back down to the valley but instead of climbing up and over the Wee Hill again, we veered right and skirted the hill. Underfoot here was very challenging with dougals, hidden holes and very wet terrain to deal with, but we eventually emerged, with the help of our electronic gizmos, on to a path which thankfully took us on to the path we had started out on earlier in the day.

We arrived back at the cars at ten past one, having taken only an hour to come down despite the conditions. The gizmos said only three and a quarter miles, although to some it felt much longer. As we approached the dam in our cars we were buzzed by four large military transports flying low over the loch, no doubt heading for Prestwick. Very impressive!

FRT was taken at the Dalmellington Inn where we can confirm that Kit-Kats are still being served with the coffees. 

Nice display of bluebells

On top of the Wee Hill of Craigmulloch with Craiglee behind

Nearing the top of Craiglee

Taking in the view

Ditto

Heading for the tricky bit on the way to the cars