Day 8. Friday, 11th April 2014. Wanlockhead to Beattock. 21miles. Today's walk over 7 hills, one of which is the highest of the entire way, necessitated an early start. Breakfast at 7.30 and away soon after. Uphill was the order of the day from the off. Climbing Lowther Hill, the biggy, at 2378 ft, was the first objective. This was achieved with some ease due to the existence of a tarmac road used to service the radar station at its summit. Apparently, it used to look a golf ball until storms last November reduced its appearance to a standard dish. The golf ball material being spread, in small pieces over the surrounding hills. Three further hills were conquered on the open grassy upland before descending to cross the dam at the Daer reservoir. A large expanse of water supplying Lanarkshire with half its requirements. A steep climb up the next hill was punctuated by lunch break, again, sat on a stile. Continuing at high level to the next hill then descending to enter the ubiquitous forestry. Once again, the way was regularly blocked with wind fall trees. I'm getting increasingly frustrated with this problem. I've already emailed the one warden who covers the first half of the way and he says that the council are doing practically nothing about it. Disgraceful. Stumbled through the forest and eventually out onto tarmac for a 2.5 mile walk into Beattock. Having dinner in the bar of the inn where I'm staying where the locals constantly process outside to increase their risk of lung cancer and when inside seem to use the f word with unnecessary regularity. Weather. Dry to start, showers between 11.00 and 13.00 then dry, but cloudy, for the rest of the day. Quite a cold wind upstairs. Poll latest Ayes 3 Noos 8 Doon't Noos 2 Knee Vootin' 3