Millfore

22 April 2015

 

Participants: Just me

Where: Millfore, 656m/2,152', Graham, Map 77, NX 478755

 

The good spell of weather was forecast to end in a couple of days. So I reckoned that, just in case this was our summer, I had better get out again and do another hill. This time, I headed south instead of north- to Galloway to climb the Graham, Millfore. The Galloway hills are less frequented than the Highlands and I suspect that this part of Galloway sees few visitors.

 

I decided on the approach from the south and parked at the Black Loch car park. This is the loch; on the opposite bank is a tall, conical structure constructed from tiny bricks- an artwork apparently called "the Eye"- goodness knows why- and built by Colin Rose. It was certainly unusual!

 

I followed the good forestry track until it reached the bealach between Kirkloch and Poultrybuie Hill. As I approached this point, Millfore came into view for the first time.....

 

 

There were no gates, the track was well surfaced and I could see no reason why I could not have driven to this point. I am however wary of driving off-road, mainly because I know nothing about car mechanics and if anything happens I doubt if a garage would be willing to come out and get me. Anyway, the walk to the point where I left the track was pleasant and was only a couple of miles, adding about 2 hours to the return trip.

 

The first few hundred yards on the hillside were rough- Galloway rough! But after crossing an old deer fence, the angle increased and the going got better. In fact there was more grass than heather; it wasn't really a typical Galloway hill. There was even a faint path forming that went all the way to the summit.....

 

 

There were a number of cairns plus a trig, which looks as though it is on the highest point.....

 

 

Unfortunately it was hazy and not a great day for photography. But here are a few shots anyway which give an indication of the area. Lamachan Hill and Curleywee.....

 

 

The Merrick, the highest hill in Galloway, in the distance with Loch Dee in the foreground.....

 

 

South to Cairnsmore of Fleet.....

 

 

And on the way down, Craignell.....

 

An interesting outing in previously unvisited country.