Duncanrig Rambling Club’s recent outing took members into the heart of Galloway for a 9-mile trek near Clatteringshaws Loch. The route, along the Raiders Road Forest Drive, followed the course of the Black Water of Dee on firm underfoot conditions which, in view of the recent wet weather, were ideal. The walk provided an opportunity for all of the club members to walk together and, as they made progress through the trees of Bennan Forest, after three and a half miles a scenic spot at the Otter Pool provided the perfect lunch stop. Conditions were not the best to enjoy the varied Galloway skyline so the ramblers had to appreciate the now browning fronds of the ferns interspersed with the ripe red of the rowan berries and rose hips as they continued south-east towards Stroan Loch. The view over the loch took in the elegant Stroan Viaduct of the dismantled railway. The group climbed the embankment in order to complete the final mile of their route along the former railway track to Mossdale and the end of the walk. A short coach ride to the picturesque village of St John’s Town of Dalry for a social hour in the Clachan Inn completed the outing before their return to East Kilbride.