Carrifran Boundary Fence  Walk in July 2009 by Ken Wardrop

 Summary - fence generally in very good shape, apart from Section 6 -
7.  Also posts on lower part of section 10 - 11 (steep slope south
from Carrifran Gangs) are feeling a bit loose, probably because of
bounders using them for support.  (I try not to.)

Best ever views from the round - Lake District, Isle of Man, Arran,
Arrochar Alps, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin, Eildons and Cheviots,
all clear as a bell. OK, Isle of Man fainter, but definitely there!

Car park to Stile 1 to Stile 2 – fence seems good and tight, though
not closely inspected due to luxuriant vegetation.  Stonechats on
overhead wires.

Stile 2 – 3 – fence fine.   Several places where bird droppings seen
on bracken several inches in from fence – biggish birds sitting on
fence facing West while relieving themselves?  Didn’t take samples.
Small self-sown seedling found (hazel?) – good to see natural
regeneration.

Stile 3 – 4 – fence fine.

Stile 4-5 – fine wool (goat?) found high on fence post between Saddle
Yolk and Under Saddle Yolk -  on Capplegill side.   Group of goats
nearby on USY.  Two possible gaps below lower wire near SY /USY col,
with wire coating rubbed off – no other signs of animals getting
under.   Did a bit of gap-filling at two points on way down towards
Priest Gill, probably not that durable.

Stile 5 – 6. – fence fine.

Stile 6 – 7 – some loose top wires where staples missing.  Replaced
these.  Fence in poor condition.  Rotten Bottom easier to cross than
it sometimes is – is it drying out?  Sheep hoofprints along inside of
fence between Rotten Bottom and Stile 7, as in last month’s report –
but no sign of animals.

Stile 7 – 8- fence fine.  I've found problems here before with the
post extensions, but these all seem in good shape, and wires tight.
Wheatear.  View stupendous.

Stile – 8 – 9 – fence good.  Stile 9 – 10 – fence mainly fine, but on
way down from White Coomb a gap below lowest wire.  Softish ground –
posts may be lifted by tension of fence.   No signs of animals taking
advantage.

Stile 10 – 11.  Fence posts getting a bit shoogly on way down steep
slope from Carrifran Gangs.  Worn path right alongside fence.
Bounders using fence for support?