Tips for the Tops

Drumcroy Hill (5, LR42)

Ben Brown: Climb through the big wood on a compass bearing (there are some paths) until a clearing is reached. It is not obvious from where the highest point is. Follow a wall, which leads up to the summit, unmarked except for the wall changing direction. Possibly my worst summit view so far.

Leana Mhor (9C, LR34, 678m)

Andy Moffat: Harrold Thomson in Marhofn 183 mentioned the disappearance of the bridge over the River Moy at NN296846, thereby preventing the recommended access to Leana Mhor East. In fact, an easier and more direct approach exists. Park at NN315896 and ford the river diagonally north-east to a point just south-west of Brunachan bothy, then just head directly up the hill to the summit. The river is regularly forded by 4WD estate cars as it is fairly broad and sluggish at this point. The use of wellies and trecking poles will aid the relatively easy fording. Crossing may be difficult in spate.

Cruach nan Cuilean (19C, LR56)

Andy Hyams: There is an extremely useful ATV track from the top of the hydro road (NS047827) to the col between A'Chruach and Cruach nan Cuilean.

Uisgneabhal Mor (24B, LR13/14)

Andy Hyams: There is a convenient car park at NB105047. This allows you to start 120m higher than from Gleann Mhiabhaig. The trade-off is an extra 1km of moorland, though there are enough outcrops to enable dodging the boggy bits.

Windlestraw Law (28A, LR73)

Andy Hyams: If starting from Walkerburn, there is now a marked path NW of the farm buildings. You do not have to ask permission to pass through the farmyard, as stated in the SMC Southern Uplands book (1992 edition).

Mochrum Fell (27C, LR77/84)

Dave Stanford: The trees have been felled from the western end of the hill, and the summit cairn is now in the cleared area. So the ascent is now easy, if a little unpleasant; just follow the edge of the standing trees.

The new summit view from Mochrum Fell (photo: Dave Stanford)