Megget Head, Carlavin Hill, Frythibrig Head, Lochcraig Head, Nickies Knowe, Dumfries & Galloway
[ 9.9 km] Wed 27 Jul 2011

NT 1506 2027
I drove through Moffat and along the A701 to Tweedsmuir then turned right along a single track road past Talla reservoir. The drive so far had been sunny but shortly after the reservoir I climbed steeply up into thick mist. At the summit, by the cattle grid and Megget Stone, it was still thick mist. I set off through deep wet grass heavy with dew and was soon soaked and had wet feet.

I was heading south to Molls Cleugh and came to the infant Talla Water where I crossed and started steeply up towards Carlavine Hill. As I approached the top the cloud began to thin and I could eventually see the wall running over the top. I made a detour to visit the summit then turned back to follow the ruined wall SE to Molls Cleugh Dod then easily on to Firthybrig Head. Some cloud had still been swirling around but now it was clearing and I had a sunny descent to the east then up to Lochcraig Head.

This is probably one of the best viewpoints in the area if the weather is clear and gives a good feel for the hills of the Borders. To the north I could see Broad Law and an interesting layout of structures and a radio mast on the summit. I descended to the north over Talla East Side then on to Nickies Knowe. The ground was firm underfoot then I started the steep descent down Wood Brae to a sheepfold near Talla Water.

It was now warm and sunny and I was in no rush to get back to the car. There was only a short walk across some rough ground to get there so I took my time. Back at the car there was another walker who’d parked near me. He’d just walked up Broad Law which is where the radio mast is. I listened to his comments about it and put it on my list as a future walk.