Ettrick Donald's



Looking across to Capel Fell from Gateshaw Rig



Starting at Moffat and heading out on the Southern Upland Way (SUW) to the head of the Ettrick valley. I opted for the variant which takes you through the forest and up onto Gateshaw Rig & over Croft Head. I’ve been up this area a lot of times and yet had never done the path or hill so made a nice change. Weather was dry but a cold wind was present and I soon cooled whenever I stopped.

A steep decent to selcoth burn and a direct climb of Capel Fell passing one of the waymerks (one of 13 hidden treasure sites along the SUW route) before making my way down to Over Phawhope bothy. 



Over Phawhope Bothy



A waymerk. But where???



I stopped a while to check over the bothy. Seems a group of local artists have contributed in their own way forming the “Way Art” project each adding something artistic to the bothy. A nice touch!

I came back via Ettrick Pen and along the grassy ridge via Wind Fell & Loch Fell. Mist now just sitting on the very last bit of the summits. It is easy navigation using a number of fences before eventually dropping back to pick up the SUW. After which its fire roads back to the start.