Starting the walk at Union Gate, we headed NW up a track in fairly sunny and warm weather.  After about 300 m we passed through a gate and turned WSW before then turning NW to Scrainwood.  While Scrainwood is more or less in the middle of nowhere, there were two very nice properties there and we had our coffee stop at the garden wall of the second.

On our way again, we crossed the Scrainwood Burn before heading up the valley to Hazeltonrigg.  At Hazeltonrigg we crossed a footbridge over the Hazeltonrigg Burn and then made our way generally westwards gradually climbing up onto the moor.  No obvious paths for the most part, but although the ground was tussocky in places, it was not too problematic.  While we climbed, the broad flank of Hazeltonrigg Hill towered above us to the north across the Hazeltonrigg Burn.   After crossing Iving Cleugh and just after we started climbing Bleak Law, Heinrich found us a nice comfortable sheepfold for lunch.   With the sun shining and sheltered by the sheepfold, after eating, several of us lay resting our heads on our rucksacks for an extended break. 

On our way again, we continued W passing the farm at Puncherton in the valley below us.  There was no evidence of a distinct path but we continued on to Puncherton Hill after which we joined a bit of a track, which then bent southwards.  We followed the track S until we reached The Dod.   Approaching The Dod, there were excellent views down into and across the Alwin Valley.   Having walked up and down the Alwin Valley on several occasions and looked up at the steep sides of The Dod, I was somewhat concerned about the descent.  Yes, it wasn’t easy and the walking poles came in very useful, but we all proceeded with care and it wasn’t as difficult as I had anticipated, even with a metal hip and a dodgy knee.  Reaching the valley floor, we headed along a good track to the road bridge over the R Alwin, crossed to the west bank of the river and after a short while re-crossed to the NE bank and made our way to Clennell Hall and the coaches.

A good walk, using a route I have never been on before.  Thanks, Heinrich.