Congratulations to the 13 Ramblers on 8th November who believed the weather forecast! Despite torrential rain at the Corn Exchange, with fast flowing gutters, when the group set off, by the time they reached Elsrickle to start the walk, the rain had eased, and lighter skies were visible.
As the walkers set off up the drove road from Elsrickle to Walston the weather continued to improve, and the views opened out. As the group descended into Walston they appreciated South Lanarkshire’s equestrian and walker friendly gates, providing well fenced paths through the last section. Ramblers were greeted at that point by a fascinating variety of animals at the animal sanctuary, ranging from cattle and sheep to goats, geese, chickens, a collection of very active Gloucester old spot pigs and a noble Turkey gobbler who, though he has aged somewhat since our last visit, still managed an impressive display in defence of his territory! The walk through the village was interesting, passing the old rectory and church with a graveyard offering splendid views over the valley.
When the group reached Borland Farm, they turned off into the field to admire the burn running from Black Mount down the steep sided valley where the Walston Well/Chaleybeate is marked on the map. They climbed the track on the right-hand side of the valley to a good vantage point and stopped for a Coffee break in the sunshine!
The group then continued up the track to the head of the valley where a lone hawthorn tree clings preciously to the steep side. They enjoyed the climb up to 421 metres and then made their way over moor grass and stumpy heather to join the fence path down from the summit of Black Mount. This moderately challenging walk offers 365o views of our lovely scenery over to Broughton, to Tinto and to the Pentlands. We were able to enjoy it all in fine weather as we headed down to re-join the drove road back to Elsrickle.