01 This walk (done anti-clockwise)
involves quite a bit of scrambling on steep heather/bracken-clad
hills especially as you climb up past White Bennan at the start
of the route. You start this part of the route by going west along
part of the Southern Upland Way (which is fine), then you get onto
a forest road briefly, then onto faint tracks which are probably
more used by goats and deer than by humans. Over the last stretch
of the climb you just have to read the best way up over more or
less trackless ground. Don't let that put you off though - there
is no rock climbing involved and it is awkward ground rather than
dangerous. The main problem really is how to get through the trees
The scenery on this route is wonderful and you are climbing into
history - this is precisely where in 1307 Robert the Bruce won his
first battle over English forces. You will enjoy the challenge of
finding a way up. Coming back down to the Southern Upland Way from
White Hill is also a bit of fun over rough ground. It took me six
hours to do the whole route. |