CHRIS MCMORRIS: Edinburgh Spring

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Edinburgh Spring - The Pentlands

It was a very mild and sunny Sunday morning in Edinburgh today and I had come down with a dose of cabin fever so I really wanted to get out and do something today. As I hadn't planned anything, I decided to opt for the simple option and head into The Pentlands. Also, Emily needed the car so I simply jumped on the number 15 bus and got off at Hillend Ski Centre.

Looking up below Caerketton Craigs, Pentland Hills

Hillend and Lothianburn Golf Club from Caerketton Craigs, Pentlands

After the steep ascent along the East of the ski runs, I decided not to head directly for the top of Caerketton Hill. Instead, I took the path that traverses the foot of the steeper North slopes. The main reason for this was to check out the crags that sit at the very top of the North slopes. I see these craggy slopes regularly when driving around Edinburgh but had never been up here specifically to check them out for climbing or scrambling potential. Indeed, just a few weeks ago I had been browsing through the SMC Lowland Outcrops guidebook and found a couple of routes listed but they were far from recommended. Also, UKC has some winter routes listed for Caerketton Craigs so I was keen to see for myself what potential there was for climbing.

Looking North towards Edinburgh from Caerketton Craigs, Pentlands

As I got higher and found myself at the bottom of the crag, the rocks were heavily vegetated and over-grown. Looking up, I could clearly see 3 'mini' gullies that would be 'do-able' given the right conditions in winter. I continued on up the steepest section of rock I could find, over green and patchy rock. I would say that there was a very short section of Moderate to Difficult but nothing more and very very short at that. All the same, still enjoyable and a far more interesting approach to the summit. A I stepped up onto the top, a large walking group got a bit of a surprise as I appeared out of nowhere to spoil a couple of their Edinburgh city panoramas. I grinned at them and pushed on towards Allermuir.

Climbing up Caerketton Craigs, Pentlands

Castlelaw Hill and Scald Law from Caerketton Hill, Pentlands

It was marvellous weather - extremely mild with only a very slight breeze. The ground was quite dry and the grass was scorched and golden in the sun, as I headed over the top of Capelaw Hill. I had fantastic views of Edinburgh and South towards the Scald Law ridge. Stunning.

Edinburgh from Caerketton Hill, Pentlands

Looking back across to Caerketton Craigs, Pentlands

Pushing on, I safely negotiated the dreaded 'blue bog' in the 'drainage basin' between Bell's Hill and Black Hill, before heading up the latter's steep, heather-clad slopes. From Black Hill I had a tremendous vista all around as dusk began. The dramatic clouds in the sky coupled with the falling sun made for a stunning backdrop to East Kip and West Kip.

Caerketton from Byerside Hill above Windy Door Nick, Pentlands

Scald Law ridge from Capelaw Hill, Pentlands

I nipped over to my final top of the day: Hare Hill and then quickly on towards Bavelaw Castle. Emily kindly came and picked me up from Bonaly to save me the long walk back to Hillend in the dark!