Meet Report: 5-7 May 2023.

It rained on one notable citizen’s parade but it didn’t rain on ours. (For those reading this in years to come, the King was crowned this Saturday). A steadily improving forecast culminated in an affable weekend; sunny spells, light winds and a temperature sufficient to allow sitting out till well after dark.

Balloch O’Dee campsite, 8 miles west of Newton Stewart proved to be an excellent choice, dog and family friendly with a pleasing absence of music. The quirkily decorated and regularly maintained facilities were more than adequate and the owner was most friendly and helpful.

By Friday evening various enormous bouncy castles had been erected, offering accommodation for several garrisons although none were occupied by more than two inmates. The contrast between these and the tiny hovels occupied by the hard men, Mike, Tim and Alan so affected the campsite owner, James, that he instantly offered them a £5 discount.

Some just drove up on the Friday. Fiona and Dave couldn’t resist the attractions of the Devil’s Porridge museum in Gretna, finding it surprisingly interesting. The porridge was not a food but an explosive mixture made during the First World War in what was then the biggest munitions factory in the world. Michael and Helen visited the Cairnholy chambered cairn and the Mill of Fleet. Mike climbed Cairnsmore, a name that he seemed to have a bit of an obsession with.

Saturday dawned dry but with low cloud which lifted and dispersed as the morning progressed. The main body of the meet  drove to Glen Trool. After an early hiccup when Michael and Mick each thought the other was navigating, they and Richard (with broken rib from a frisbee-catcher’s shoulder), Fliss (portering Richard’s gear), Helen and Rebecca went up Merrick from Glen Trool via the rough track up to Loch Enoch and directly up Redstone Rig. Also in attendance were the dogs Bailey and Fern who each thought the other was beneath their dignity so did their own thing. Arran and Ailsa Craig were seen through the haze.

Mike climbed another Cairnsmore, the one of Fleet, continuing over another Marylin, Craig Hill.

David and Christine walked part way up Merrick then returned to walk around Loch Trool.

Fiona also drove to Glen Trool to embark upon a 27km run in preparation for The Lap, a 75km circuit of Windermere later in the month. Each to their own!

Dave and Tim cycled a section of the 7 Stanes route from Newton Stewart, North to Loch Dee then by Loch Trool and back. Around 65km and mostly on forest tracks, it was a very enjoyable round. Hilary also cycled, from the campsite and around the same distance.

Alan continued his tradition of fossicking although he did have two aims; to find a pub and to source some sausages. He failed on both objectives.

Helen had planned a barbecue, our friend James provided a capacious firepit and Fiona brought a flag. Opinions on the monarchy ran the full gamut of possibilities but Alan encompassed all views with his toast of “Up King Charles!”

A most convivial evening ensued and as the campsite children were being herded to bed festivities ended about ten o’clock

Sunday was a misty morning but with the promise of sun. Mike inevitably climbed another Cairnsmore before departing North towards Eigg where he is destined to be disappointed, there are surely no Cairnsmores there.

Helen and Michael started up Cairnsmore of Fleet in glorious sunshine but cloud enveloped them at 460m and did not release them until they dropped below that height again. The hoped for views were denied them. The next generation of the Smiths walked a round of the Mull of Galloway.

Tim went Glen Trool and cycled a 27 km loop around the Loch and beyond, mostly on singletrack and through ancient forests bursting into spring life.

David and Christine set off for home, breaking their journey to visit the Cairnholy site and enjoy a short coastal walk.

Mick and Hilary headed over to the Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve to the East of Newton Stewart. Mick walked over the Clints of Dromore ridge up to Craig Hill, returning via the disused railway line. Dozens of large hairy moth caterpillars were displaying themselves on the grass. Meanwhile, Hilary cycled on a series of forest trails over towards Loch Clatteringshaw and took in a section along the old railway track bed.

Camping meets are always a lottery being so dependent on the weather but everything combined to make this a most enjoyable weekend.

Attending: Mick Borroff, Hilary Tearle (G), Helen Smith, Michael Smith, Richard Smith, Fliss Roberts, Alan Clare, Mike Gregg, Fiona and Dave Booker Smith, Christine Marriott, David Hick, Rebecca King (PM), Tim Josephy.