Chilly reception at the summit

Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club took to the Galloway Hills for their latest expedition.

The first coach stop in the morning was at Dobbies garden centre in Ayr for a spot of breakfast for some.

A half hour journey further south, via Dalmellington, saw the hikers arrive near Loch Doon, a current reservoir that provides water powering hydroelectric generators.

The weather was dry and chilly but ideal at least for the low level hikers who were dropped off first near Drumjohn.

This walk was on easy LRT (land rover track) maintained for forestry and reservoir requirements. In no time at all, the hikers had a wonderful view over Loch Doon.

The loch has been used for air force pilot training since WWI. Sadly during WWII the area was the location of two tragic pilot deaths during training exercises in Spitfires.

One pilot crashed into the loch and while, decades later, his plane was recovered and restored his body was never found. The other RAF pilot crashed into the nearby forest where the wreckage lies to this day.

The low levellers ended their walk exploring an old, abandoned lead-mining village, Woodhead.

An active mine for several decades in the 19th century, Woodhead’s last villager left as late as 1954.

The high level hikers had a tougher and chillier climb with windchill making the 797m summit, Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, feel like -12 Celsius.

A dusting of snow gave hikers the first real taste of winter. Visibility was good however, and gave the frozen walkers reasonable views.

Descending to lower ground was a thermal relief as the group made its way back down to the strangely named Green Well of Scotland, reaching the coach 15 minutes before the others.

The club welcomes anyone wishing to give high or low level hiking a try.

Phone Charles on 01355 245 123 or have a look at the club’s website ololhikingclub.co.uk to check the walking calendar and sample some videos of their walks.