Backpacking to Stranraer, Scotland from 21 May to 26 June 2014 (37days)
The walk begins at the Grey Mare's Tail car park on the A712 which cuts through the Galloway Forest between Newton Stewart and New Galloway.
Day 11 (31.05.2014) – exploring Galloway Forest Park (60km)
This morning Norman John Robertson and wife Carol Anne Robertson came and picked us to visit Galloway’s wild goats, Grey Mare's Tail waterfall, Alexander Murray Monument and Red Dear Sanctuary at the Galloway Forest Park.
We had our lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam and then drove through Raiders Road and visited Loch Dee. We discovered more about Alexander Murray, one of this area's most famous sons, by trekking up the Talnotry Trail to reach the monument.
On our way back we stopped at West Pier to meet the Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there. We came back home for Fish & Chips for dinner.
Sleeping: Shambley Residence, Millfield Avenue, Stranraer, Scotland.
Temp: min.9 – max.16 °C
From the Grey Mare's Tail car park we walked to the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall first.
From the Grey Mare's Tail car park we walked to the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall.
From the Grey Mare's Tail car park we walked to the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall.
A short walk up the path for the best views of the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall.
Grey Mare's Tail waterfall takes a spectacular 60m plunge into the valley below.
The giant tree on the steep climb up to Murray’s Monument, Galloway Forest Park.
The steep climb up to Murray’s Monument offering amazing views of Galloway and beyond.
Get to see the wild goats that have been roaming here since the 1970s at Galloway Forest Park. .
Several hundred live in the surrounding hills at Galloway Forest Park. These hairy, long-horned beasts are British Primitive Goats kept by ancestors who valued them for their milk, meat and skins.
Good view looking at the open craggy hillside, part of a Wild Goat Galloway Forest Park.
Before reaching Murray’s Monument we have to be careful on a couple of rocky sections that can be slippery.
Good view looking at the open craggy hillside, part of a Wild Goat Galloway Forest Park.
Val Allan aged 80 still physically active by trekking up the open craggy hillside, Galloway Forest Park.
The striking Murray’s Monument was erected in 1835 in memory of Alexander Murray, a local shepherd boy who later became Professor of Oriental Languages at Edinburgh University.
The striking Murray’s Monument was erected in 1835 in memory of Alexander Murray, a local shepherd boy who later became Professor of Oriental Languages at Edinburgh University.
Standing in a prominent position on the hillside, you can enjoy commanding views of the valley and the northern slopes of Cairnsmore of Fleet. To the east of Craigdews are the remains of Dunkitterick Cottage, Murray's birthplace.
Walking down the slope from the striking Murray’s Monument.
Back at the Grey Mare's Tail car park we witnessed a convoy of British Classic Car.
Back at the Grey Mare's Tail car park we witnessed a convoy of British Classic Car.
Welcome to the Galloway's Red Deer Range, Galloway Forest Park.
Galloway's Red Deer Range is also beside the Queen's Way (A712) between Newton Stewart and New Galloway. The Red Deer Range was established in 1977 to give visitors the chance to see these beautiful creatures up close in a natural environment.
Around 60 Galloway's Red Deer live here today – watch for them from the viewing area and hide. Whatever the weather, you can enjoy spotting deer and other wildlife from the shelter of the hide.
Around 60 Galloway's Red Deer live here today in Galloway's Deer Range.
Scottish Power Clatteringshaws Dam at Clatteringshaws Loch.
Clatteringshaws Loch is a freshwater reservoir in the historical county of The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It was created by damming the Galloway River Dee as part of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme.
Clatteringshaws Loch.
We had our lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam.
We had our lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam - Betty Ching, Catherine Oon and Pauline Toh.
Norman John Robertson and wife Carol Anne Robertson had lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam.
Catherine Oon and Carol Anne Robertson had lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam.
We had our lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam, Scotland.
It's a 10 mile two-way forest drive, which is open to vehicles between April and October and for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders year-round. There is a small fee of £2, payable in coins.
There are various places to stop along Raiders' Road. Head for Otter Pool car park, about half way along, for the perfect riverside picnic spot with plenty of room on the grassy banks to play. Alternatively, stop at Stroan Loch for peaceful waterside views, an old viaduct and the start of the scenic but strenuous Buzzard Trail.
Driving along Raiders Road, Galloway Forest Park.
Driving along Raiders Road, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool car park along Raiders Road, for riverside picnic on the grassy banks, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool car park for riverside picnic spot on the grassy banks to play, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool car park for riverside picnic spot on the grassy banks to play, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool site, where Blackwater of Dee widens into attractive series of shallow pools, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool site, where Blackwater of Dee widens into attractive series of shallow pools, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool riverside picnic spot on the grassy banks to play, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool site, where Blackwater of Dee widens into attractive series of shallow pools, Galloway Forest Park.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic but strenuous Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Val Allan at Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
In memory of the late Charles Parley at Stroan Loch.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Driving along Raiders Road, Galloway Forest Park.
On our way back we stopped at West Pier to meet the Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there. We came back home for Fish & Chips for dinner.
Ching Neng Bin at West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
At West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
At West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
At West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
At West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
At West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
Sailing boats at West Pier, Stranraer.
Sailing boats at West Pier, Stranraer.
Sailing boats at West Pier, Stranraer.
On our way back we stopped at West Pier to meet the Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there. We came back home for Fish & Chips for dinner.
Sleeping: Shambley Residence, Millfield Avenue, Stranraer, Scotland.
Temp: min.9 – max.16 °C
From the Grey Mare's Tail car park we walked to the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall first.
From the Grey Mare's Tail car park we walked to the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall.
From the Grey Mare's Tail car park we walked to the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall.
A short walk up the path for the best views of the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall.
Grey Mare's Tail waterfall takes a spectacular 60m plunge into the valley below.
The giant tree on the steep climb up to Murray’s Monument, Galloway Forest Park.
The steep climb up to Murray’s Monument offering amazing views of Galloway and beyond.
Get to see the wild goats that have been roaming here since the 1970s at Galloway Forest Park. .
Several hundred live in the surrounding hills at Galloway Forest Park. These hairy, long-horned beasts are British Primitive Goats kept by ancestors who valued them for their milk, meat and skins.
Good view looking at the open craggy hillside, part of a Wild Goat Galloway Forest Park.
Before reaching Murray’s Monument we have to be careful on a couple of rocky sections that can be slippery.
Good view looking at the open craggy hillside, part of a Wild Goat Galloway Forest Park.
Val Allan aged 80 still physically active by trekking up the open craggy hillside, Galloway Forest Park.
The striking Murray’s Monument was erected in 1835 in memory of Alexander Murray, a local shepherd boy who later became Professor of Oriental Languages at Edinburgh University.
The striking Murray’s Monument was erected in 1835 in memory of Alexander Murray, a local shepherd boy who later became Professor of Oriental Languages at Edinburgh University.
Standing in a prominent position on the hillside, you can enjoy commanding views of the valley and the northern slopes of Cairnsmore of Fleet. To the east of Craigdews are the remains of Dunkitterick Cottage, Murray's birthplace.
Walking down the slope from the striking Murray’s Monument.
Back at the Grey Mare's Tail car park we witnessed a convoy of British Classic Car.
Back at the Grey Mare's Tail car park we witnessed a convoy of British Classic Car.
Welcome to the Galloway's Red Deer Range, Galloway Forest Park.
Galloway's Red Deer Range is also beside the Queen's Way (A712) between Newton Stewart and New Galloway. The Red Deer Range was established in 1977 to give visitors the chance to see these beautiful creatures up close in a natural environment.
Around 60 Galloway's Red Deer live here today – watch for them from the viewing area and hide. Whatever the weather, you can enjoy spotting deer and other wildlife from the shelter of the hide.
Around 60 Galloway's Red Deer live here today in Galloway's Deer Range.
Scottish Power Clatteringshaws Dam at Clatteringshaws Loch.
Clatteringshaws Loch is a freshwater reservoir in the historical county of The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It was created by damming the Galloway River Dee as part of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme.
Clatteringshaws Loch.
We had our lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam.
We had our lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam - Betty Ching, Catherine Oon and Pauline Toh.
Norman John Robertson and wife Carol Anne Robertson had lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam.
Catherine Oon and Carol Anne Robertson had lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam.
We had our lunch picnic at the Clatteringshaws Dam, Scotland.
It's a 10 mile two-way forest drive, which is open to vehicles between April and October and for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders year-round. There is a small fee of £2, payable in coins.
There are various places to stop along Raiders' Road. Head for Otter Pool car park, about half way along, for the perfect riverside picnic spot with plenty of room on the grassy banks to play. Alternatively, stop at Stroan Loch for peaceful waterside views, an old viaduct and the start of the scenic but strenuous Buzzard Trail.
Driving along Raiders Road, Galloway Forest Park.
Driving along Raiders Road, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool car park along Raiders Road, for riverside picnic on the grassy banks, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool car park for riverside picnic spot on the grassy banks to play, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool car park for riverside picnic spot on the grassy banks to play, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool site, where Blackwater of Dee widens into attractive series of shallow pools, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool site, where Blackwater of Dee widens into attractive series of shallow pools, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool riverside picnic spot on the grassy banks to play, Galloway Forest Park.
Otter Pool site, where Blackwater of Dee widens into attractive series of shallow pools, Galloway Forest Park.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic but strenuous Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Val Allan at Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
In memory of the late Charles Parley at Stroan Loch.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Stroan Loch waterside views, an old viaduct the start of the scenic Buzzard Trail.
Driving along Raiders Road, Galloway Forest Park.
On our way back we stopped at West Pier to meet the Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there. We came back home for Fish & Chips for dinner.
Ching Neng Bin at West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
At West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
At West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
At West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
At West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
At West Pier meeting Rotarians of Stranraer and had BBQ there.
Sailing boats at West Pier, Stranraer.
Sailing boats at West Pier, Stranraer.
Sailing boats at West Pier, Stranraer.
Click below to view daily adventures:
Day 01 (21.05.2014 Wed) – MH16 KUL/AMS 2355hr – 0655hr on 22May
Day 02 (22.05.2014 Thr) – Amsterdam City, Holland
Day 03 (23.05.2014 Fri) – Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Village (21km)
Day 04 (24.05.2014 Sat) – KL.1477R AMS/GLA 1535hr - 1605hr Glasgow Airport
Day 05 (25.05.2014 Sun) – Stranraer, Scotland
Day 06 (26.05.2014 Mon) – Fishing station at Lady Bay (15km) Loch Ryan
Day 07 (27.05.2014 Tue) – Portpatrick and Mull of Galloway Lighthouse (58km)
Day 08 (28.05.2014 Wed) – Lide supermarket (2.8km) and Museum
Day 09 (29.05.2014 Thu) – Exploring Galloway Forest Park (56km)
Day 10 (30.05.2014 Fri) – Kirkland Fishery Farm in Leswalt (4.6km)
Day 11 (31.05.2014 Sat) – Exploring Galloway Forest Park (60km)
Day 12 (01.06.2014 Sun) – Trekking 20.8km Loch Ryan Coastal Path
Day 13 (02.06.2014 Mon) – A free and easy rest day
Day 14 (03.06.2014 Tue) – To Robert Burns Cottage at Alloway (78km)
Day 15 (04.06.2014 Wed) – Fishing station at Lady Bay (15km) Loch Ryan
Day 16 (05.06.2014 Thu) – A trip to the Giant Causeway (153km) by coach
Day 17 (06.06.2014 Fri) – Trekking 4km Ardwell Pond, Ardwell Bay (18km)
Day 18 (07.06.2014 Sat) – Our ladies went shopping in Ayr (72km)
Day 19 (08.06.2014 Sun) – Visiting Isabelle/Robert in Newton Steward (50km)
Day 20 (09.06.2014 Mon) – Overnight stay at Fishing Station, Lady Bay Loch Ryan
Day 21 (10.06.2014 Tue) – Visited a farm using automated milking
Day 22 (11.06.2014 Wed) – Day 1 of Scenic West Coast Tour, Scotland
Day 23 (12.06.2014 Thu) – Day 2 of Scenic West Coast Tour, Scotland
Day 24 (13.06.2014 Fri) – Day 3 of Scenic West Coast Tour, Scotland
Day 25 (14.06.2014 Sat) – Day 4 of Scenic West Coast Tour, Scotland
Day 26 (15.06.2014 Sun) – Day 5 of Scenic West Coast Tour, Scotland
Day 27 (16.06.2014 Mon) – Allan and Pauline 50th wedding anniversary
Day 28 (17.06.2014 Tue) – Mysterious beach walk at Loch Larbrax, Scotland
Day 29 (18.06.2014 Wed) – Lake Loweswater, Lake District, UK (day1)
Day 30 (19.06.2014 Thu) – Outward Bound Ullswater, Lake Ullswater (day2)
Day 31 (20.06.2014 Fri) – Return from Lake District (day3)
Day 32 (21.06.2014 Sat) – Our last visit to the bothy at Lady Bay
Day 33 (22.06.2014 Sun) – A farewell dinner hosted by Margaret Modrate
Day 34 (23.06.2014 Mon) – A farewell tea hosted by Vera Little
Day 35 (24.06.2014 Tue) – To Glasgow for a night stay for next day flight
Day 36 (25.6.2014Wed) Glasgow 6am to Amsterdam 8.40//MH17 12noon to KLIA
Day 37 (26.06.2014 Thu) – MH17 touched down at KLIA at 6.20am.
Day 01 (21.05.2014 Wed) – MH16 KUL/AMS 2355hr – 0655hr on 22May
Day 02 (22.05.2014 Thr) – Amsterdam City, Holland
Day 03 (23.05.2014 Fri) – Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Village (21km)
Day 04 (24.05.2014 Sat) – KL.1477R AMS/GLA 1535hr - 1605hr Glasgow Airport
Day 05 (25.05.2014 Sun) – Stranraer, Scotland
Day 06 (26.05.2014 Mon) – Fishing station at Lady Bay (15km) Loch Ryan
Day 07 (27.05.2014 Tue) – Portpatrick and Mull of Galloway Lighthouse (58km)
Day 08 (28.05.2014 Wed) – Lide supermarket (2.8km) and Museum
Day 09 (29.05.2014 Thu) – Exploring Galloway Forest Park (56km)
Day 10 (30.05.2014 Fri) – Kirkland Fishery Farm in Leswalt (4.6km)
Day 11 (31.05.2014 Sat) – Exploring Galloway Forest Park (60km)
Day 12 (01.06.2014 Sun) – Trekking 20.8km Loch Ryan Coastal Path
Day 13 (02.06.2014 Mon) – A free and easy rest day
Day 14 (03.06.2014 Tue) – To Robert Burns Cottage at Alloway (78km)
Day 15 (04.06.2014 Wed) – Fishing station at Lady Bay (15km) Loch Ryan
Day 16 (05.06.2014 Thu) – A trip to the Giant Causeway (153km) by coach
Day 17 (06.06.2014 Fri) – Trekking 4km Ardwell Pond, Ardwell Bay (18km)
Day 18 (07.06.2014 Sat) – Our ladies went shopping in Ayr (72km)
Day 19 (08.06.2014 Sun) – Visiting Isabelle/Robert in Newton Steward (50km)
Day 20 (09.06.2014 Mon) – Overnight stay at Fishing Station, Lady Bay Loch Ryan
Day 21 (10.06.2014 Tue) – Visited a farm using automated milking
Day 22 (11.06.2014 Wed) – Day 1 of Scenic West Coast Tour, Scotland
Day 23 (12.06.2014 Thu) – Day 2 of Scenic West Coast Tour, Scotland
Day 24 (13.06.2014 Fri) – Day 3 of Scenic West Coast Tour, Scotland
Day 25 (14.06.2014 Sat) – Day 4 of Scenic West Coast Tour, Scotland
Day 26 (15.06.2014 Sun) – Day 5 of Scenic West Coast Tour, Scotland
Day 27 (16.06.2014 Mon) – Allan and Pauline 50th wedding anniversary
Day 28 (17.06.2014 Tue) – Mysterious beach walk at Loch Larbrax, Scotland
Day 29 (18.06.2014 Wed) – Lake Loweswater, Lake District, UK (day1)
Day 30 (19.06.2014 Thu) – Outward Bound Ullswater, Lake Ullswater (day2)
Day 31 (20.06.2014 Fri) – Return from Lake District (day3)
Day 32 (21.06.2014 Sat) – Our last visit to the bothy at Lady Bay
Day 33 (22.06.2014 Sun) – A farewell dinner hosted by Margaret Modrate
Day 34 (23.06.2014 Mon) – A farewell tea hosted by Vera Little
Day 35 (24.06.2014 Tue) – To Glasgow for a night stay for next day flight
Day 36 (25.6.2014Wed) Glasgow 6am to Amsterdam 8.40//MH17 12noon to KLIA
Day 37 (26.06.2014 Thu) – MH17 touched down at KLIA at 6.20am.
37day expenses per person was RM6,139.05
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Most comprehensive account of a trip made, so far by anyone in our circle. When you look back 20 years from now, you will be glad you did, as you will still remember it as it was yesterday, despite your brain possibly working half as efficient. Looks like clean all the way, lots of green & space.
ReplyDeleteBin, Thanks for the updates.
ReplyDeleteSorry about MH17, glad to know you flew at different date. God bless, John