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

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!

Heading up Capelaw Hill, Pentlands

Looking towards Edinburgh from Capelaw Hill, Pentlands

Scald Law ridge from Capelaw Hill, Pentlands

Dusk from Hare Hill, Pentlands

East Kip and West Kip at dusk from Hare Hill, Pentlands

Dusk at Bavelaw Castle, Pentlands

A great day out in the Pentlands and well worth checking out Caerketton Craigs - worth remembering for possible winter fun.

Pentlands Mountain Biking - Reservoir Cogs

After purchasing a new mountain bike, visiting Glentress a few times and being part of the GWC Cycling Project 2009, I had spent quite a bit of time in the saddle over the past few months. While I really enjoyed touring the northwest of Scotland, I didn't think that road cycling was my thing; I was finding mountain biking far more enjoyable. I had spoken to a few folk about good places to mountain bike around Edinburgh and more often than not, the Pentlands were mentioned. After a bit of online research, I quickly came across the excellent Bike Fax guidebook: Southern Scotland & the 7stanes. Armed with the guide, I set out last weekend to explore the Reservoir Cogs route. It really was great fun and I blasted round it in no time at all.
Later that week, Emily was keen to get out on the bikes and after hearing me going on and on about the route at the weekend, fancied giving it a go. We headed up to the car park at Rangers Centre at Flotterstone straight after work to get the most out of the remaining light. We geared up quickly and were soon heading along up the tarmac road past Glen Cottage and along the north shore of Glencorse Reservoir. We passed over Kirk Bridge and went through the gate on our right and headed up the dusty, rocky track. Just before the end of the forest on our left, the track forked and we headed to the right, straight up the steep grassy slope. This was a tough hill to climb on the bike without getting off and I was glad of the breather at the top of the steep section. We followed the single track around the hill and over Knightfield Rig. Passed between Harbour Hill and Phantom's Cleugh and then joined the enjoyable track that followed the woods above Bonaly Reservoir and went throught the gate on the left just after the break in the trees.

Scald Law ridge from Knightfield Rig, Pentland Hills

It was a lovely evening and there was still plenty of light left in the sky. The tracks were in great condition; very dry as we hadn't had any recent rain. We pushed on down the hill on the wide rocky track, as if riding towards Edinburgh in the distance. We picked up plenty of speed heading down towards Bonaly and took some evasive action to avoid the many dog walkers! Just before the large gate, we took a sharp left to follow the single track into the woods; taking great care on the many exposed tree roots, then down the rough path to the bottom of Torduff Reservoir. Then a steep zig zag back up the road towards Clubbiedean Reservoir. There were plenty of folk out enjoying the summer evening and we hit the crowds as we headed down across the fields to Harlaw. After negotiating the large wall, we stopped for a snack on the north side of Theipmuir Reservoir.

Emily tackling the first steep section at Knightfield Rig

After a short break, we pushed on along the single track through Redford Woods; appearing back on the road leading up to Bavelaw Castle. The steep road up to the Castle was lung-busting to say the least, but it was the last climb of the day - great news! After pausing to catch our breath and to take in the historical building, we set off over the grassy fields and joined the sweeping single track running nicely down to The Howe. This is a great descent and you can really get some speed and let the bends flow - just watch out for anyone coming up the other way!

Glencourse Reservoir from Knightfield Rig

After a great run down to The Howe at the top of Loganlea Reservoir, all that remained was a gentle cycle along the minor road to The Flotterstone Inn for a well deserved steak and chips.