Upperward Mountaineering Club – March 2021



Following the recent easing of Covid 19 restrictions, the club met for its first walk of 2021 (excluding the annual New Year’s Day assault on Culter Fell). The enforced absence from the hills, together with the recent spell of fine weather, encouraged a group of 14 to polish up their boots and head out for a day in the Lowthers, starting at Glengonnar Station between Leadhills and Wanlockhead. This is the southern end of the narrow gauge railway that runs between Leadhills and Wanlockhead in the summer months.

            The plan for the day was a circular walk over 6 tops, or Dods as many of them are named in this part of world. The north westerly route followed the fences marking the boundary between South Lanarkshire and Dumfries & Galloway for the first four tops – Wanlock Dod, Sowen Dod, Snarehead Hill and Reecleuch Hill, where a short refuelling stop was taken. At this point the group split into two, with those who felt fit enough dropping down into the valley of the Snar Water some 100m below before climbing up northeast onto Snar Law. From there a good stalkers track was followed southeast along the ridge and back towards Leadhills. The other group retraced their steps from Reecleuch Hill back towards the col between Snarehead Hill and Sowen Dod before traversing the Snar Water valley up onto the same ridge and picking up the same stalkers path.

            This dual route is a theme introduced by the club in trying to recognise the varying levels of fitness and ability within the club which will, hopefully encourage new, as well as older, members onto the hills. The value of outdoor exercise during recent lockdowns is something that has been widely promoted by many bodies.

            The next club outing is set for April 18th to the Pentlands starting from the Lang Wang. Information relating to future walks, or details of the club, can be found on the club’s website at http:/upperwardmountaineeringclub.org.uk