Carrifran Boundary Fence  Walk in July 2009

 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?

Stile 11 – 12 – Fence fine and tight as far as can be judged – lost in bracken much of the time.