Longformacus

Crawford Macnab

24 May 2023

The team of 7 Marauders (Pamela S, Moira C, Fiona A, Sheila, Marion, Jim and myself) gathered on a sunny morning for the circular walk from Longformacus.

The walk started with a gentle warm up heading south west along the Southern Upland Way. The small holdings on the way all had Housemartins darting around in and out of their nests.

A bit of a pull then followed up to Rawburn farm passing some late blossom trees on the way, with views south east to Dirrington Great Law. Surprisingly there were ladies/gents toilets inside containers on the farm, functional but not 5 star quality!

The SU way then headed north west towards the watch water reservoir. Before dropping down to the reservoir a quick detour to a monument provided a bonus large wobbly bench to take a break for 5 minutes.

The Watch fishing lodge although unmanned appeared to have excellent facilities for those that like their fishing.

Plenty of birds in the fields as well as lots of sheep. As we approached Scarlaw farm there was a small flock of more exotic sheep with a field to their own. They followed parallel to us for a bit in a tidy formation with the middle sheep keeping a lookout for any trouble.

A sign at the farm suggests they were Valais Blacknose breed - perhaps the cutest sheep on the world!

We then left the Southern Upland Way and headed north towards Dye Cottage. Near the top of Scar Law at the highest point on our route lunch was taken at a sheltered dip at the edge of the track.

Suitably refreshed we then descended down towards Dye Cottage with a pause to watch three fighter jets pass overhead.

The walk continued along the north side of Dye Water with some undulation along Nun’s bank passing the foot of Wrunk Law. At this point we encountered a solitary lamb in a field of sheep none of whom were its mother. With no obvious farms within site, location was noted, with a plan to try to contact a farmer when closer to Longformacus.

The path then left Dye Water and climbed up around the edge of Sinclair’s Hill to follow the Manse Road down to the start in Longformacus.

(On the abandoned lamb, we managed to speak to a local who took details of the location and promised to contact the Shepherdess - our good deed for they day!)

The June walk to be decided. (suggestions welcomed!)

Thanks,
Crawford.