Kilted Ascent of the Maiden Paps

**cessna152towser** · 22nd June 10, 04:13 PM

I can see these twin conical peaks from my garden. They are 8.4 miles south-south-east from here as the craw flies. The hill is officially named the Maiden Paps (yes really!) on the Ordnance Survey map. Height is given as 510 metres which equates to approximately 1,650 feet in real measurement

The long daylight hours of midsummer allow of an evening hill walk so I set off around 7pm, leaving my car at the end of the public road beside the old railway viaduct at Shankend, which would mean about a four mile hike in each direction.

Into the forest, where the midges were out in their millions

I crossed the Catrail which is a fifty mile long ditch and rampart earthwork, thought to be a defensive border dating from around the time of Roman occupation. This view looks north-west along the Catrail.

A tantalising glimpse of the twin peaks between the trees. I had been to the top of the higher (right hand or westmost) peak two or three times before but not since I took up kilts or digital cameras. From experience I was aware that the easiest ascent would involve passing to the north then west of the peaks on the logging trail then doubling back into rough country to approach the summit from the west.

I was amazed how the trees had grown since my last visit and I had difficulty finding the path. This is where I emerged from the top of the tree line onto the open moorland, mercifully escaping from the midges, but I thought it prudent to photograph the moss clad boulder so that I would be able to recognise it as a landmark as to where I would need to re-enter the forest on the way back down.
More to follow shortly.

**cessna152towser** · 22nd June 10, 04:27 PM

Looking eastwards from the summit towards the eastmost or lower peak and back in the direction of where I left my car.

Looking south-west. The nearer hill is Scawd Law, 503 metres and the further, or one on the right is Greatmoor Hill, 599 metres.

Looking south towards England, with the rolling Southern Uplands as far as the eye can see, and with the shadow cast by the twin peaks of the Maiden Paps at the bottom of the photo.

Standing on the summit and ensuring a family friendly view.
The Trojan kilt was ideal for walking in the calm of the forest but was no match for the stiff breeze at the summit.

By now it was ten minutes to nine and time to think about heading back. Looking west, I needed to head west down off the moor and through the trees to intercept that forest road then follow it north-west then north-east. It might have been tempting to take a short cut and try to come off the east side of the hill but from past experience I knew that this would involve negotiating areas of scree and a dangerous crevice.

Crossing the Langside Burn, with yellow flag Iris.

Arriving back at the viaduct at quarter past ten in the evening, with the last of the sunlight shining from the north-west, the lighting conditions allowed of this composition.

Back at my car, quarter past ten and still daylight.
In the absence of a sporran I had carried a bottle of isotonic sports drink in a bumbag.
That's all folks.

**McClef** · 22nd June 10, 04:33 PM

I knew there were Paps on Jura, but I didn't know you had some near you until your excellent photo essay Alex!

**BoldHighlander** · 22nd June 10, 05:11 PM

Thanks for taking us along on the hike Alex
I would love to give it a go myself "when" I make it over to your part of the world

**Ancienne Alliance** · 23rd June 10, 05:59 AM

Great photos , Alex !

Best,

Robert

**piperdbh** · 23rd June 10, 06:35 AM

Last night I dreamed that I needed to climb a little bank, but it was so steep that I had to lie down and crawl up it, pulling myself along by holding on to clumps of grass. When I reached the top of the bank and looked over, it was just as steep down the other side and the place looked just like the pictures Alex posted above. Thanks, Alex, for enlivening my dream-world.