Date: Saturday 15th May 2021
Company: Just myself
Distance: 10.6km, Ascent: 515m
Time: 2Hrs 55Mins
Having completed the 89 Donalds (and 118 New Donalds) in 2014, I have since neglected visiting the Southern Uplands. The Scottish Mountaineering Club recently decided that to complete the Donalds, instead of ascending the original 89 one now has to also ascend all 52 Donald Tops. Thankfully, when ascending the Donalds, I included many of the Donald Tops. I do however have 9 Donald Tops outstanding so decided to ascend one of those today.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
From Durisdeer I set off to undertake a clockwise loop taking in Glenleith Fell.
Durisdeer Church:
On walking past the cemetery, I passed numerous rabbits and several hare.
Hare:
Looking back towards Durisdeer:
Once past a gate and small shed I made my way steeply up Blackgrain Shoulder.
Track leading towards Scawd Law:
The excellent track allowed for fast progress up the hill.
Looking back at ascent track:
On reaching the col between Scawd Law and Glenleith Fell I debated whether to reascend Scawd Law for a second round of Donalds. I fairly quickly decided "no" as there is no way on earth I would ever want to undertake a second round.
Glenleith Fell:
Being honest, the summit of Glenleith Fell was fairly dull with limited views.
At the summit of Glenleith Fell:
I then returned to the track making my way downhill. During the descent I spotted a disused Larsen trap and numerous snap traps.
Old Larsen Trap:
Blackhill Moss track:
Boarded-up house:
Kettleton Burn:
During the walk out, it was nice to pass a bothy that I had not heard of previously. The bothy was unfortunately closed thanks to Covid but I managed to have a look in through the window.
Kettleton Byre Bothy:
Inside Kettleton Byre Bothy:
During the walk out I spotted Lapwing, Pipits, Wheatear and a Buzzard. The highlight was Red-legged Partridge.
Red-legged Partridge:
On returning to the car we made our way to Laurieston to see the Red Kites being fed. There is a £5 entry charge which is absolutely worth it. There were circa 150 Kites! A handful of photos follow from the fifty or so photos taken.
Red Kite:
Red Kites:
Red Kites:
Red Kite:
Red Kite:
