After three days of mist and rain, in North Ayrshire and Galloway, it was just my luck to get some good weather on the day I had to head home . During the long journey home, I felt I had to stretch my legs a couple of times and so nipped quickly up and down Dungavel Hill and Black Mount .


Hill: Dungavel Hill
Date: Saturday 15th October 2011
Company: Just myself
Time: 45 Mins

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

For Dungavel Hill, I parked at the high-point on the road between Roberton and Newton – room for 2 or 3 cars near the cattle grid.

Dungavel Hill from road:


There are a couple of signs at the start of the walk advising, “Bull with cows and calves. On no account enter on foot or with dogs.” I had a good look at the hillside and could see no bulls, cows or calves. I therefore ignored the signs and made my way up the hill.

Warning sign at start of walk:


During the ascent, I could see evidence of cattle having been there recently – plenty cowpats and hoof prints.

Looking back towards the car:


The ascent was nice and easy up grassy slopes.

Ascending Dungavel Hill:


It only took me 24 minutes to reach the summit from the car – definitely an easy Marilyn.

Toppled-over trig point near summit:


It was nice to get some views today, albeit Tinto was capped in cloud. The weather didn’t look quite so good to the East, but the sun was trying to break through.

Looking over to a cloud-capped Tinto:


Not looking so nice to the East:


I returned to the car via the same route and then made my way towards Broomy Law. On arriving at Broomy Law, I couldn’t find anywhere to park and so abandoned Broomy Law for another day and made my way round to do Black Mount instead.


Hill: Black Mount
Date: Saturday 15th October 2011
Company: Just myself
Time: 1Hr 20Mins

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

For the ascent of Black Mount, I parked just opposite the start of the track at the side of the road – room for one or two cars only.

Start of track leading towards Black Mount:


I followed the good track round the back of the 405m top to the end of the track.

Following the track:


From the end of the track, I continued on in the same direction and then up a short scree slope.

Ascend the wee scree slope ahead:


Looking back from above the scree:


I didn’t have a map for this hill but didn’t need one. Once onto the ridge, I just followed it round until I reached a fence. I then followed the fence to the summit.

White Hill and Mendick Hill from Black Mount:


During the ascent I was quite impressed with Mendick Hill – it looks a nice hill. Looking towards

Mendick Hill from the fenceline:


Following the fence to the summit:


Eroding trig point at the summit of Black Mount:


From the summit, I returned to the car via the same route. A couple of very easy hills, well worth the effort.