Sunday 17 June 2018
The Ramblers walk on 6th June was classed as strenuous and took in the summits of saddle Yoke and Cape Law near the Grey Mare's Tail. Led by Brian Henry the group of 4 started from near Capplegill and ascended the first summit of Saddle Yoke. The ascent was from a height of 500 feet (150m) to 2,400 feet (735m) in 13/4 miles. A coffee break was taken where the group levelled off between the steep sections. When the summit of Saddle Yoke was reached there was a photo opportunity before the steep descent and ascent to Under Saddle Yoke and the lunch overlooking the Black Hope valley and onto the crags and the summit of Swatte Fell. After leaving the Saddles the terrain became typical Borders hills with a 2 mile walk over moorland to reach Cape Law. From here the summits of Tinto, Culter Fell, Broad Law, Dollar Law and many more could be clearly seen. From the Saddles the hills of Dumfries and Galloway as well of the Solway Firth could be seen. From Cape Law it was downhill all the way across open moor and to the start of Whirly Gill. This descent of 600 feet (190m) in less than a mile was slow and deliberate to reach the path leading to the walk out. During the 3 mile walk out along the Black Hope Valley the group encountered over 50 feral goats who watched their progress and this was followed by a low level fly past by a buzzard seeking its next meal. The group agreed that this 9 mile walk on a glorious sunny June day was strenuous but enjoyed because of the achievement in negotiating the steep bits.
