After an evening study of the forecast then a quick morning Internet look at the BBC weather to see if it had changed, Ayrshire seemed the place to be to top up the tan, so, when Alex phoned and suggested going to climb this steep little peak south of Girvan (also known as the false Ailsa Craig),I was keen..... but not expecting knockout surroundings as some of the Ayrshire towns and villages can be a bit industrial and bleak due to the history of mining in the area.
Knockdolian was a gem however,steep and rocky with extensive views but the real surprise was the stinchar valley it towered over,a lovely fertile kingdom of prosperous farms,ruined castles and attractive villages,Colmonell and Barr.
Couple of pics on the way up...
Pub sign in Colmonnel....
As the hill was only a couple of hours work we next visited Bargany gardens near Dailly. This was also a real pleasure,a beautiful mix of pond,walled and sunken gardens and parkland.
A few Bargany pics....
A great day out was finished off by bagging Kirk Hill above Dalquharan Castle to give Alex his 2nd customary tick. I,m not really a trig collector post Munros and I wouldn`t cross the road for a fundamental bench mark but the view was worth the short climb.
All in all an unexpected and very scenic small adventure.
A few more pics from Alex to compliment Bob`s.
Ailsa Craig from Knockdolian...
Bob looking down on Ballantrae from Knockdolian summit...
The ancient hill fort on the slopes of Knockdolian....
Centre of Barr conservation village...
Looking down on the trig from the Yeaman summit of Kirk Hill....
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