Walk on the wild side - A Borders trip to Hart Fell

Published on Wednesday 17 December 2008 09:56

Situated six miles north-east of Moffat, its southern slopes bounded by the Moffat Water and the River Annan, Hart Fell is the highest hill in Dumfriesshire and home, according to legend, to the wizard Merlin who could change into a hart.

Hart Fell is though, perhaps best known for its proximity to one of the most iconic landmarks of southern Scotland, the Devil's Beef Tub, a cavernous hollow at the headwaters of the Annan where the notorious Border Reivers once hid stolen cattle. Indeed, from the viewpoint on the A701 overlooking the Devil's Beef Tub, Hart Fell shows up well, a mossy, 750m plateau with the high point at 808m/2651ft marked by both trig point and cairn.

The Devil's Beef Tub is part of Corehead, described as a stunning area of land in the heart of the Southern Uplands; slopes once cloaked with native woodland but now grazed bare. The Borders Forest Trust launched an appeal earlier this year to raise 700,000 to buy this land; their aim being to protect and enhance the landscape and restore natural habitats and wildlife. The Trust has an option to buy Corehead but needs to raise the money by May 2009. At the time of writing, some 25 per cent of that sum has been raised, mostly from private donations and small charitable trusts. The Trust is still confident of securing the balance of the funds but obviously would welcome your participation. Visit www.bordersforesttrust.org for details.

Although frequently climbed on the same day as its neighbouring Corbett, White Coomb, Hart Fell is an ideal short day pre-Christmas hill. Despite the lower starting height, it is best tackled from the Annan valley rather than from above the Devil's Beef Tub; the latter a longer and undulating route that negates the 400m start. The Mountain Lamb and I ventured to Hart Fell a few weeks ago on a well-chosen, blue-sky day and the following describes our route from the Annan, climbing the hill's grassy south-west ridge over Arthur's Seat. With a climb by path and track of only 650m and over nearly four miles, there is an easy overall gradient.

You will need Ordnance Survey map 78, Nithsdale and Lowther Hills. Go three miles north from Moffat on the minor road by the Annan and park just short of Ericstane by the small, corrugated-iron hall at map ref 075104. Be careful not to block entrances to fields. Walk north on the road over the Auchencat Burn to a signpost for Hartfell Spa. At the first of five circular metal "kissing gates", turn east into the field.

There is no immediate trace of a path, but simply follow the higher north bank and not the actual burn. After a second gate, and by now on a vague grassy track, look out for marker posts with yellow directions. More gates and posts lead to map ref 084108 at the base of the south-west ridge. Do not climb too high and then follow an excellent track that runs on the south side of the ridge but well above the burn. This gives a quick approach north-east towards the steep gully of a side stream as the valley of the Auchencat Burn curves eastwards.

At the track-end, follow sheep tracks to the Spa, at map ref 097115, mapped as Hartfell Spa (Chalybeate). That name means impregnated with iron salts and the waters were once believed to have healing properties. Set in a much eroded gully on the far side of the stream, the Spa is a small, stone-vaulted cellar, roofed with grass and heather, and surrounded by a wooden fence. The Spa was discovered in 1748 by a John Williamson, whose memorial can be found in the old Moffat cemetery. Even if nasty weather, a walk just to the Spa is a worthwhile outing.

Now for the only steep part of the walk, a northerly climb on grassy slopes to gain the south-west ridge and a well-marked track at a gate in a fence. Follow the track all the way over Arthur's Seat to reach the Hart Fell plateau and a line of fence posts. Of help on a misty day, follow the fence posts left (north) to the trig point and a grand viewpoint.

Return by the track, but this time all the way to the start of the marker signs at map ref 084108. We stopped in Broughton on our way home, at the Laurel Bank Tea Room ... not the nearest but arguably the best.

Factfile

Map Ordnance Survey map 78, Nithsdale and Lowther Hills

Distance 7 miles

Height 650m

Terrain Path and track to the summit

Start point Corrugated-iron hall by the River Annan, map ref 075104

Time 3 to 4 hours

Nearest town Moffat

Nearest refreshment spot Laurel Bank Tea Room, Broughton