Starting at Seathwaite in the Lake District, 11 Ramblers headed up Stye Head and Aaron Slack to Windy Gap on Thursday, January 16.
It was decided as time was against them, they would head for Green Gable instead of Great Gable as planned, and returned to Seathwaite via Sour Milk Gyll. They had an exhilarating walk with fantastic views. Thanks go to Phil for leading.
Saturday’s walk was along the Annandale Way to Moffat and was enjoyed by a small group of Ramblers. Thanks to Eric for leading.
Sunday’s walk attracted 17 walkers. The route went along the coast from Carrick past Knockbrex and The Coo Palace to Castle Haven, a Bronze Age fort. It occupies a rocky promontory on the coast and was excavated and partially restored by James Brown in 1905.
James Brown was a successful businessman with Ayrshire connections and bought Knockbrex estate in 1894 as a retirement project. He rebuilt the main house and developed the grounds to include salt water baths and a harbour. A little further along the coast in the shelter of Barlocco Island he built a ‘bathing house’ with separate changing rooms, a fireplace and dining area.
He also kept prize Belties and in 1911 built a model dairy for 12 of them. It was the first in the UK to be lit by electricity. The 23m high water tower and dairy became known as the Coo Palace. After years of dereliction this building has been restored to its former glory by a holiday company.
The Ramblers walked on to Kirkandrews Church which had also been built by James Brown. There they received the warmest of welcomes from the guardians of the church who lit a fire and even provided homemade biscuits.
After the walk, the Ramblers gathered at Sue and Iain’s house for a welcome cuppa and something sweet. Thanks go to Isabel for leading this very enjoyable walk, for the local history notes along the way, and for organising access to the church.
Next walks
Saturday, January 25: Half day walk –Annan. Described as a C walk of 5.5 miles and minimal ascent. A mainly flat walk including the section of the Annandale way that reaches the Solway. The leader will be Grace. Meet at Brooms Road car park, Dumfries at 9am for car sharing.
Sunday, January 26: Adventure walk – Hart Fell circular. Described as an A walk of 8 miles and 2,200 feet of ascent. Strenuous walking up the side of Whirly Gig but otherwise not too taxing. Mainly grass underfoot. Poles would be useful. The leader will be Phil. Note: This walk is different from the one in the programme. Meet at Brooms Road car park, Dumfries at 8am for car sharing.
Please check the Ramblers website for more information and phone numbers, particularly if you wish to join the walk at the start – www.dumfriesramblers.org.uk or Dumfries and District Ramblers on Facebook.