Coran of Portmark & Black Craig from Drumjohn, Loch Doon

Description

Start : Layby on the A713, Grid Ref NX 524 977

(D/A) Leave the lay-by and head down towards the right, past the cottage and go straight on at the crossroads. Passing over the bridge over the water route and continue down into the forest.

(1) Arrive at the junction and turn right, over the bridge, and up the road with houses on either side. Continue to go straight on and pass through the gate at the top. The road becomes more of a track after a while. Remains of the buildings and shafts can be seen at Woodhead mine, beyond the route.

(2) The route follows a quad trail going right (West) uphill just before the fence approaching Minehead. "You can go down and explore, returning back here to continue.'' Stay with the quad track/trail going uphill, then slightly to the left. This trail goes all the way to the cairn at the top of Coran of Portmark. Amazing views over Loch Doon Below on a clear day.

(3) From the top, you can either return the same route or continue on to Black Craig, ( the descent from Black Craig can be rough). To continue to Black Craig, pick up the fence line to your front, and follow it going right.
Carry on following down the hill, crossing over to the right-hand side when the trail starts to break left. Stay on the right-hand side of the fence all the way to the bottom. This area can be wet, depending on the weather of late.

(4) Cross the burn and follow the dry stone dyke, stay on the right-hand side. Carefully dodging the marsh areas if wet. Continue to follow the dyke until you come to a gap, there will be an old rusty metal bar in the dyke. Go through here and follow the faint trail all the way to the cairn.

(5) Standing at the cairn, follow the spur down aiming for the little plateau (small hill) to your front. After that, you're aiming for the left hand side of the small outcrop of trees to your front. There are a few ditches here, be careful when walking past.

Once at the trees, go past and turn right behind them. Go around the right of the large fallen tree and follow the old fire break downhill to the road. Care needed here as it can be rough walking, roughly 150 metres.

(6) Once on the road, turn left.

(7) Follow the road round to the right at the next 2 junctions and straight on at the 3rd. Drumjohn tunnel should come into view.

(8) Carry on over the bridge and back uphill to the starting point. (D/A)