#wanlockhead

Route: Glengonnar Halt Mennock  GLENGONNAR HALT

(Oooops, I’ve got out of date sequence.)

This climb was undertaken as a stop off on the way to Glasgow to visit friends and go to a gig, so was a trifle rushed after a change of plans due to a road closure, but I will be back for other climbs in the area, notably Lowther Hill which starts in these parts, and Clyde Wind farm, the latter being the original  plan on this day.

The B797 Mennock pass Climbs up from the village of Mennock on the A76 to Scotland’s highest village Wanlockhead, then a hop to Leadhills before taking your pick from two options for getting down the other side to meet the M74 at either Abington or Elvenfoot (B7040).  This route up from the West from really is stunning, either going up or down.

This Climb: Mennock Pass from Mennock

Link to Climb on OS Maps

A gradual wind up from 1 to 5%. Well it would be if it weren't punctuated by a series of 10-11% hauls, and thankfully, flatish or even downhill sections.

The first haul hits you straight away  as you surmount Mennock Mill Heights along the tree lined road then onto the open fell for an easy section, the roadside is scattered with camper vans, some looking like they were there for the duration, and more picturesquely, though it refused to be pictured, a heron on the look out for goodies in Mennock Water. The 11% section occurs at the midpoint with the steep banks of Starn Cape and Meikel Snout closing in on right and left. Beyond be a dish* to aerial mobile phone - Hutchinson / EE to be precise - relay station (*yes I know a dish is a type of aerial) 

On up, overtaken by motor cycles as the climb steepens and the 9-10% interjections become more frequent with the respite of passing Wanlockhead village before the final brief haul to Glengonnar Halt.

Points of Interest.

Glengonnar Halt is a "station" on the Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway, a restored heritage line that once continued to join the Glasgow to Carlisle line at Elvenfoot carrying both passengers and freight from the local lead mining and quarrying activity. 

The 1km section of the 24" gauge railway is just one of the cultural tourist attractions that has now replaced mining as the main source of income to the remote villages, with both Leadhills and Wanlockhead boasting a range of attractions. The Lead mining museum at Wanlockhead is definitely worth a visit, although it was about 20 years ago since we went with the (then) kids.