New Road to the Roan Fell

Every time recently we have taken the Tarras road to Newcastleton we have seen the new road being built up to the Roan Fell. Tom decided to tackle it for our Wednesday walk today so we left a car at Lodgill for our return journey and then headed to Blackburn Farm for the start of our long climb to the Roan Fell.Nobody seems to know why the road has been built but I have a meeting with Buccleuch Estates tomorrow so shall ask the question. It does not look good enough to be a Forestry Road but it is used by the Moorland Demonstration Project so it may have some connections there. As far as walking goes it is a superb way to get to a height of 1874ft which is the highest point of the walk at the Roan Fell. The weather was just perfect and we eventually walked 10 miles to Lodgegill.

We saw a couple of these vermin traps set on what must be a Stoat or Weasel run probably set by the keepers from the Langholm Moor Demonstation Project. I should also add we saw a beautiful Male Hen Harrier hunting on the way just over the back of Little Tarras.

Lunch stop near Peden's Stone.

Another trap this time set to catch Crows with one in it to attract others.

The new road winding its way up to Millstone Edge. It was a superb walk taking us about 4.5 hours and i managed to take cramp just after I got in the back of Tom's car. A very painful experience but now OK.