Durisdeer Dawdle -

6th July 2014

Walk Details

Location - Durisdeer, Dumfriesshire
Start Location Grid ref NS 894037, turn around grid ref NS 919061
OS Map Explorer 329 Lowther Hills.
Total distance 4.5 miles
Surface - some tarmac in village then dirt track road.
What did we see - Historic Church and the Marbles (see photo) Roman Fortlet, beautiful hills, and would you believe massive hailstones (in July!!!).
Susan's rating - nice straight route, you can deviate to look more closely at the Roman Fort.  This route does take you round the side of the hill and is uphill all the way, it's not steep but it is continuous.  For the less fit take a walking pole and take frequent rests.


We started the walk in Durisdeer Village, there is normally space to park just be aware that people live here and may need access to their houses etc so park responsibly.

First pic- The route is well signposted.                      Second Pic - Linda holding the gate for us.
                                                                         

This is what the track looks like. Yes it looks flat but it does climb all the way.

You can take the signposted track to the fort if you wish but you can see it from the road.

 When we set out the weather was really lovely, it was warm and sunny.  Just beyond here the others turned back and Linda and I carried on so that KP and Tess could have a swim, well KP mainly.
We carried on to the gate at the top of the track. Beside the gate is the sign underneath which points back down to Durisdeer.  Through the gate it's just a short walk to the spot where several small streams meet.  Kona loves this spot. 

Sometimes called the Well path, but here on this sign it is Wald Pass.

Kona enjoying the water, as usual.Here you will see traps straddling the burns, I presume they are for Weasels, Stoats etc.,

Views from our stopping spot where the streams meet, the first pic is taken looking back towards  Durisdeer and looking at it now, we really should of seen what was coming, the second is looking towards Dalveen Pass.  If you keep on the track that's where you will arrive after about another mile or two.   A good walk is one I've done from Dalveen Pass, down Wald Pass to Durisdeer and up through the pass to the Bothy and down the track to Kettleton Reservior  the Burn Farm then onto Thornhill via old Thornhill Station through the Golf Course to Cample and on to Closeburn

 Here is Linda looking, but not feeling drookit.  A lesson in how quick the weather in Bonnie Scotland can change, we had torrential rain followed by massive hail stones.  Really in July!!  Good job we walk prepared for all eventualities.  Waterproof top, bottoms and hat in evidence here.

 The rain and hail lasted probably about 15 minutes and out came the sun again.  It was like it had never happened.  Just look at that lovely blue sky.

The Reverend Scott was the minister at Durisdeer he also looked after us at Closeburn.  He was a minister of the "old school" and will forever live in my memory as a softly spoken, kindly, but firm real old fashioned gentleman, seemingly eternally  dressed his in ancient black ministerial clothes. A man who had a proper vocation and genuine concern and love for his parishioners. 
Those who know me also know about what the biblical quotation on the bench means to me.  It is very special.

 Kona and Tess enjoying a rest on Rev Scott's bench I'm sure he wouldn't mind at all.

 The very beautiful Durisdeer Church.  On Sunday afternoons from the middle of July the church ladies put on the most wonderful teas.( Sandwiches,scones cakes tea, coffee).  All for a very reasonable price.  I think the money goes to Church Funds and sometimes to selected charities.

 The above picture is of the Marbles -  a testament to love.  Look up the history of this if you are interested. http://www.dumfriesshirecompanion.com/Durisdeer.htm

I love Durisdeer, it is a great starting point for some more strenuous adventures.  The hills are relatively easily accessible by the moderately fit and generally extremely quiet and empty.  Kona and I have spent many a day exploring the little glens on either side of the village.  It's been my classroom for practicing my map reading - not always successfully I might add.  I'm sure there are many more blogs to come from this marvelous place.  If you are up here spend some time looking around and enjoying the "other worldliness" of this hamlet.  I always feel transported back in time here.