The Southern Uplands

The Southern Uplands of Scotland exhibit a surprising variety of forms from broad-topped rolling moorland hills to steep-sided craggy mountains. The Moffat and Tweedsmuir Hills are the bulkiest group with the most high ground and peaks rising to 840 metres. The Lowthers are less lofty but they're characterful and criss-crossed by passes and deep valleys. The Galloway Hills boast the Merrick, at 843 m, the highest hill in the south of Scotland and a range with more of the characteristics of Highland peaks, being granite cored and liberally adorned with lochs at their feet. No matter where you roam amongst the Southern Uplands though, you'll always find solitude because these hills don't attract the hordes of Munro baggers and Wainwright tickers that the Scottish Highlands and English Lake District tops always do.

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Loch Skeen seen from its southwest corner

Loch Skeen from the southern end, close to the tail burn. I was convinced I could hear a helicopter at one point but as I turned a corner, I heard splashing as the cacophony of fruity frogs making the noise dived away.

Loch Skeen seen from the cornice along Mid Craig.

Lochcraig Head (801m) is centre left and the big wadge of snow on the left horizon is on Firthybrig Head. I estimated the drift depth there at 5 metres+, and some of the drifts on White Coomb appeared to be much deeper.