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Walks on 10th-13th May 2010

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There are a total of 8 walks during the week

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Monday 10th May

 Larg via Garlick

 Distance: 14km (9 miles)

£ 10

 Ascent: 750m

Ref 4-1

Route Summary
This is another walk in the Minnigaff Hills combining the best of two previous walks but it does provide some rough walking from Glenshalloch to Garlick. The reward of magnificent views makes the effort all worthwhile. The start is from the Auchinleck road past Glenshalloch following the forest road till its end then the short but rough section to the top of Garlick Hill. Here the going becomes easier as height is gained to the top of Larg Hill. The descent is much more straightforward following the Mulmein and Caldons Burns where the highlight is a series of cascading waterfalls. The pick up is at the entrance to the former Caldons Campsite.
Map OS Explorer 319

Transport
Registration 08:30
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 09:00
Return to Dashwood Square 17:30

Walk Leader
TBC (Galloway MRT)


Monday 10th May

 Buchan and Eschoncan

 Distance: 9km (6 miles)

£10

 Ascent: 600m

Ref 4-2

Route Summary
An interesting combination of two distinct tops both providing stunning views of all the Galloway ranges. The circular route starts at Loch Trool following a steep path to the top of Buchan Hill, along the ridge descending to a path that follows the Buchan Burn to Culsharg. The next stage is along a forest road taking a southerly path to the top of the Fell of Eschoncan with its magnificent views. The return to Loch Trool is by a short steep path.
Map OS Explorer 318

Transport
Registration 09:30
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 10:00
Return to Dashwood Square 15:30

Walk Leader
TBC


Tuesday 11th May

 Loch Doon to Loch Trool (High Route)

 Distance: 19km (12 miles)

£ 15

 Ascent: 1000m

Ref 5-1

Route Summary
Arguably this walk is the most remote in the Galloways and certainly is another challenge for those devotees of big days in the hills and does require a high level of fitness to maintain the required average speed to complete the walk in the allotted time. The start is at Loch Doon in South Ayrshire following forest roads that lead to a footbridge over the Eglin Lane and then it is due south firstly towards Craigmawhannal, the Wolf Slock, Hooden's Hill and Mullwharchar. A steep descent takes us to the silver sands of Loch Enoch with a visit to the Grey Man. The route then follows the Buchan ridge with a concluding steep path down to Loch Trool.
Map OS Explorer 318

Transport
Registration 08:30
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 09:00
Return to Dashwood Square 18:00

Walk Leader
TBC (Galloway MRT)


Tuesday 11th May

 Lochryan Coastal Path

 

 Distance: 17km (11 miles)

£ 10

 Ascent: 150m

Ref 5-2

Route Summary
5-2 Lochryan Coastal The Ayrshire Coastal Path had the section from Glenapp to Stranraer added, courtesy of Stranraer Rotary Club, in 2009 and we thought it would be worth including as part of our coastal walks. The route starts at Glenapp Church going over the estates of Glenapp and Lochryan providing panoramas of the Clyde Estuary, Loch Ryan and Luce Bay in the Distance. Finnart Bay, Cairnryan and Innermessan are all passed before reaching the finish at Stranraer.
Map OS Explorer 309

Transport
Registration 08:30

Bus leaves Dashwood Square 09:00
Return to Dashwood Square 15:30

Walk Leader
TBC


Wednesday 12th May

 The "Three Wees"

 Distance: 15km (9.5 miles)

£ 10

 Ascent: 800m

Ref 6-1

Route Summary
This yet another way of reaching the top of one of Galloway's finest tops, Curleywee, by a brand new route which gives different aspects of the surrounding hills especially the approach to the rugged slopes of Curleywee. The route starts at Auchinleck following forest roads to rough open ground leading to the first "wee", Black Benwee Hill, then due north for 3.5 km over White Benwee Hill to the superb viewpoint of the third "wee", Curleywee. The descent is straightforward over White Hill to the forest road that leads to the finish at Loch Trool. Distance: 15km Ascent: 800 metres Difficulty: strenuous Cost: £10 Registration: From 08-30 Bus leaves 09-00 Returns 17-30 Map OS Explorer 319

Transport
Registration 08:30
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 09:00
Return to Dashwood Square 17:30

Walk Leader

TBC (Galloway MRT)


Wednesday 12th May

 Minniwick

 

 Distance: 11km (7 miles)

£ 8

 Ascent: 150m

Ref 6-2

Route Summary
This proved so popular last year that we decided to include it in 2010. This delightful low level circular walk uses the Waters of Minnoch and Trool as a central focus and provides a lunch stop at the Forestry Commission's Visitor Centre at Stroan Bridge. The changing nature of the water, woodlands and wildlife make for for a pleasant day's walking in picturesque scenery.
Map OS Explorer 319

Transport
Registration 09:30
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 10:00
Return to Dashwood Square 15:00

Walk Leader
TBC


Thursday 13th May

 Merrick via Eschoncan

 Distance: 14km (9 miles)

£ 10

 Ascent: 1100m

Ref 7-1

Route Summary
Yet another route to the highest point in the south of Scotland and a fitting climax to Walkfest 2010. Starting at Loch Trool there is an immediate steep climb to the top of Fell of Eschoncan where a rest will allow the views across to the Minnigaff Hills and the Cree valley to be appreciated. The route goes northerly along the fell to climb the Bennan, then across to Benyellary picking up the path to the top of the Merrick. The return to Loch Trool is by the tourist path.
Map OS Explorer 318

Transport
Registration 08:30
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 09:00
Return to Dashwood Square 17:30

Walk Leader
TBC (Galloway MRT)


Thursday 13th May

 Stairhaven

 

 Distance: 9km (6 miles)

£ 10

 Ascent: 200m

Ref 7-2

Route Summary
This is a delightful circular walk starting and finishing at the Cock Inn where refreshments are available. The walks coordinator recently did a full reconnoitre and was delighted to see so much wild life abounding including birds of prey, seals and even a deer on the shore. The views from the cliff top over Luce Bay and beyond are quite stunning. The route goes anti-clockwise following a tarred road to Milton and Stairhaven where the path over the cliffs returns to Auchenmalg.
Map OS Explorer 310

Transport
Registration 09:30
Bus leaves Dashwood Square 10:00
Return to Dashwood Square 15:30

Walk Leader
TBC
 

Walk Gradings

Very strenuous - A true mountain adventure, often with difficult walking underfoot in Galloway's wildest locations. Distances are usually at least 16km (10 miles) and there is usually around 1000m of ascent.

 

Strenuous - Open hillside with some steep sections. Distances typically 10km (7 miles) to 15km (9 miles) with between 500 and 850m of ascent. Suitable only for those with a good level of fitness.

+

Moderate + - Generally on lower land across farm land, through forests or on the coast, usually on paths, but with some difficult sections. Distances of around 10km (7 miles) with typically around 300m of ascent.

Moderate - Generally on lower land across farm land, through forests or on the coast, usually on paths. Distances are generally 7km (4 miles) to 10km (7 miles) with only minimal levels of ascent but may include some exposed sections. A number of these walks are led by historical or wildlife experts and hence are taken at a slower pace to allow for items of interest along the route to be discussed.

 

 

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