11 February 2019
Participants: Neil and Ben
Where: Gallow Hill (Moffat), 252m/827', P 39m, Tump, OS 78, NT 087 067, Oakrigg, 144m/472', P 32m, Tump, OS 78, NT 095 031 and Beattock Hill, 263m/863', P 45m, Tump, OS 78, NT 065 020
Spring was definitely in the air, it was a beautiful day, the snowdrops were out and the colours were at their best. I hadn't been in Moffat for ages, a study of the hill bagging site showed that there were 3 Tumps to be had close to the town so off we went. I parked in Dundanion Road at the foot of Gallow Hill. I wonder how many Gallow Hills there are in Scotland? Anyway, this one has a track going up it which today was quite muddy. Apparently the whole hill used to be tree covered but those at the top have been cut down although it has all been replanted- but with broadleaf rather than conifers. So the views might not be quite so good in years to come. Hart Fell is well seen from here.....
as are the hills on the north side of the Ettrick valley.....
I then made my way back to the car and found the side road going south from the town which is the starting point for Oakrigg. The Southern Upland Way crosses the hill and there was ample parking beside the Barnhill bridge. This hill was very easy, over a stile, follow the SUW, over another stile and across a field to the high point.....
the view to Moffat.....
to the north Ettrick hills.....
and to Scaw'd Fell, a Marilyn right at the head of the Ettrick valley.....
As Ben had had to miss out on Oakrigg as the stiles were too steep for him, we went back into Moffat and had a wander round the park and then I went for a coffee. Hard work this hill walking! Then it was off on the short car journey past Beattock and up a road that goes into the forest area east of Queensberry, Beattock Hill was another easy one as the road passes high up. The problem for Ben on this one was a barbed wire fence but at least he saw the high point.....
Looking to Queensberry....
to Hart Fell.....
and to Hart Fell and the Ettrick hills.....
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