Blackford and Holyrood

I have been working the last couple of weekends so I haven't been able to head North and take advantage of the Scottish Winter. However, an early finish yesterday meant that I had just enough daylight left to make a quick tour of the local hills.

Heading up Blackford Hill, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle from Blackford Hill, Edinburgh

Looking Northwest from the top of Blackford Hill, Edinburgh

I really wanted to head into the Pentlands and catch the remaining snow before it melted, but there just wasn't the time. Instead, I headed up Blackford Hill first. The air was mild and there was a major thaw in full swing. The majority of the snow had melted away and only slush was left behind; no sign of ice. Looking over at Craiglockhark it was a similar story, while the Pentlands were slowly blackening by the minute. By this morning, as I feared, they were very green.

Craiglockhart from Blackford Hill, Edinburgh

Arthur's Seat from Blackford Hill, Edinburgh

Braid Hills and the Pentland Hills from Blackford Hill, Edinburgh

After passing the Royal Observatory, I set about negotiating the back streets towards Holyrood Park. I was soon looking up at a rather green-looking Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat. I headed straight up the main path up the West face. Although most of the snow had melted, the path was still full of slush on the blocks and treacherous. This didn't seem to deter the tourist masses, and I passed many plimsolls, converse and even the odd sandal - worn by folk with a death wish! At the top, the polished rock in combination with the slush was even more hazardous.

Salisbury Crags, Edinburgh

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Looking down to Salisbury Crags from Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

I didn't loiter, so headed down the Northeast path to escape the hoards. There were only patches of snow covering the grassy slopes of Whinny Hill. I went over the top and descended down the steep North bank, looking down on St Anthony's Chapel and St Margaret's Loch.

Tourists on Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Tourists on Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

The Pentland Hills from Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Looking back to Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

I descended to the Loch for a seat and a much to enjoy the fading evening light with the swans and the ducks. Then I headed back into town, glad to have made the most of the daylight that was left.

Looking down to St Anthony's Chapel and St Margaret's Loch, Edinburgh

St Anthony's Chapel, Edinburgh

St Margaret's Loch, Edinburgh

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.

Allermuir, Capelaw and Harbour Hills

Taking advantage of a cracking evening, I headed up to Dreghorn Junction and parked the car near Chuckie Knowe. Time was against me but I managed to blast straight up Allermuir Hill and had a great view over to the Scald Law ridge.

Looking South to Scald Law from the side of Allermuir Hill, Pentland Hills

Looking South to Scald Law from Capelaw Hill, Pentland Hills

Sunset from Harbour Hill, Pentland Hills

Sunset from Harbour Hill, Pentland Hills

I then headed West to the bealach and up to the summit of Capelaw Hill and then on to Harbour Hill. I managed to snap a few nice pictures with my phone before the sun went down and I made my decent down to Torduff Reservoir and looped back round to the car - a lovely evening.

The Braids

It's been a while since my last blog entry as this summer has been quite busy since returning from our trip to Northern Ireland.

Hillend and Allermuir Hill from Braid Hills

Tonight I managed to make the most of a lovely evening and have a quick blast up Blackford Hill and The Braids. Not much to report on but I did have some lovely views of Arthur's Seat and The Pentlands from the summit trig on The Braids. There was also some amazing rays from the sun coming through the clouds over Craiglockhart.

Arthur's Seat from Braid Hills

Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me but I managed to snap a few shots with my phone. Hopefully I'll have more exciting things to write about in the near future as August approaches.

Rays over Craiglockhart from Braid Hills

The Snowy Pentlands

After a tough intro to winter walking in The Lakes, I was keen to get into the mountains further North and do some more winter stuff. Ironically, there had been a ridiculous amount of snow - too much in fact. So much snow that it was hard to actually get up the road to Aviemore and access the bigger mountains. The weather was frustrating me and I wanted to get out in the snow and do 'something' before heading back to school for the new term. To my delight, there was a clear high pressure day so we made the short drive up the road to Flotterstone.

Heading up Castlelaw Hill, Pentlands

Turnhouse Hill and Glencorse Reservoir from Castlelaw Hill, Pentlands

We met James at the car park at the Ranger Centre - which was absolutely rammed with folk walking their dogs. James had brought his skis and was keen to make the most of the deep powder. We headed up the road past Glen Cottage and around the North side of Glencorse Reservoir. Turning off to the right, we headed steeply up the track by the woods up towards Castlelaw Hill. We climbed higher still, as we wanted to gain some height. The weather was perfect; sunny and fresh but without wind. I couldn't believe just how much snow there was and as we struggled higher, the fresh powder came up to well above my knees.

Black Hill and Bell's Hill from Castlelaw Hill, Pentlands

James checking out the slope on Castlelaw Hill, Pentlands

As a result of the deep snow, our progress was slow; I headed on while Emily slogged up and James struggled to climb in his stiff ski-boots in the deep snow. Eventually we reached the Southwest shoulder of Castlelaw Hill and were treated to an amazing view of the wintery scene that lay before us. Every thing was totally white and we could clearly see that the reservoirs had frozen and were also covered in a thick layer of powder. It brought home just how much snow there had been in the last few weeks. We could see lots of other folk walking up and dow the tracks below us but we had the hills to ourselves.

Enjoying the thigh-deep powder on Castlelaw Hill, Pentlands

James skiing down Castlelaw Hill, Pentlands

James put on his skis and set off down the slope but it was clear that he was having difficulty in the deep powder and it wasn't long before he was on his back laughing at how much snow there was. He had another couple of goes and Emily and I watched him reach the bottom safely. Meanwhile we had brought our homemade sledges with us; Ikea bags and some old cushions. We started to slide down but it was pointless, there was just too much powder to sink into and we ended up just rolling and tumbling down the snowy slopes. It was perfectly safe, as there was just so much soft powder. I knew James wouldn't be bothered to hike up the hill for another go on his skis and we were happy enough so we headed back to the carpark to meet him. As usual, Emily had time to make a snow angel and get the most out of all the snow. Great fun!

Emily enjoying the deep snow on Castlelaw Hill, Pentlands

A rather snowy Pentlands from Castlelaw Hill

The snowy Pentland Hills and me

Emily's snow angel, Pentlands

Pentlands Night Nav

For some crazy reason, I had agreed to sign up for my Summer Mountain Leader Award assessment. A colleaugue at work, James, had signed up for an assessment that was one member short, so I stepped up. The only thing was; the assessment was less than 2 weeks away!
I wasn't sure if I was ready for it, as I had only just done the SML training in April this year, but I was certainly going to give it my best shot. I had been out in the hills a fair amount recently but it had been a long time since I had done any night navigation so I thought it was best to brush up on this again. I wanted to wait until the weather was bad before going out to practice; my thinking was that if I could cope with it in the worst conditions, then I should be able to cope with any conditions when it came to the real thing.
It just so happened that Saturday was a real dog of a day and the wind and rain worsened as the evening drew in - perfect. I wanted to go somewhere that was completely unfamiliar to me but I didn't want to drive too far either. I decided to head towards West Linton and up the road towards Baddinsgill. I parked just before the entrance to the farm and geared up in the comfort of the car. The wind was now howling and the rain was lashing down - I must be mad; going out in this on a Saturday night. But it would be worth it, I told myself. After layering up I pulled on my hat and turned on my head-torch, then I opened the door and stepped out into the night.
I headed back along the road before turning West into Dipper Wood and got a bit of shelter from the wind and the rain. It really was an awful night, but that seemed to simply spur me on. I had soon exited Glen Ely and was clear of the last of the trees and out onto the open hillside. It was pitch black and I only had the strong beam of my trusty Petzl Myo RXP for company. By now, I was already quite wet, so I wasn't hanging around: trying to move as quickly as possible up the grassy slope without loosing count of my paces. I wanted to practice my pacing and timings, as well as my general navigation - I knew that all of these would come under scrutiny on the assessment. I was soon at the top of Byrehope Mount where there was absolutely no shelter from the elements! Not wishing to hang around here, I headed on, into the wind, and followed the features and the fence to the summit of Craigengar.
Now damp and quite chilly, I decided that was enough for tonight so I made my way back down to the farm, using the features of the land to find my way. I have to say, I was rather pleased to get home and to get warm and dry again. But I was very pleased with how the evening had gone. I hadn't forgotten how to navigate in the dark and my pacing and timing were pretty much bang on so this gave me confidence, for sure.

No pictures, sorry... it was far too wet for my camera!

Scald Law Ridge

We were just back from a great tour of the west coast of Scotland and to my astonishment, the good weather was still here in Edinburgh. My folks were still over from the IOM, so we wanted to make the most of the time with them too; this meant that we didn't want to travel too far to make the most of the weather. I had explored much of the Pentland Hills during my time in Edinburgh, but it struck me that I had never stood on top of Scald Law. Emily had never been up there either so she was keen on getting up there too.

Carnethy Hill summit looking northwest to Turnhouse Hill and Allermuir Hill

We had a bit of a long lie, so we didn't set off that early but we had parked up at the Flotterstone Ranger Centre by midday and were soon on our way with our light packs. Being such a nice day, there were plenty of local Edinburgh folk out enjoying the hills and we met many a dog walker and mountain biker on our way up the tarmac road through the woods. We headed off the road to the left and through the gate to take the large track along the edge of the wood before crossing the river to the left. Now on the path heading west, we were certainly climbing now; straight up the steep grassy (muddy) slopes of Turnhouse Hill. It was certainly good training, and we paused under a small clump of trees, halfway up, to catch our breath. Another push and we were soon at the top. On our way we passed a number of 'tourists' who had clearly underestimated the scale of the undertaking that lay ahead of them and were now clearly struggling and contemplating retreat. Our reward was spectacular views over Edinburgh in every direction, as it was a superbly clear afternoon.

Scald Law from Carnethy Hill, Pentland Hills

We headed along the ridge to the southwest and began to enjoy the easy walking on the soft, grassy turf. Great views down to the reservoirs to the north with the sun glistening on the chilly waters below. The gradient steepened a little to gain the summit of Carnethy Hill, where we looked across to the main event: Scald Law. We then had to loose over 120 metres in height to reach the bealach; much to Emily's disgust! It was a bit of a slog to the top but it wasn't long before we were triumphantly leaning on the trig point at the top and admiring more stunning views. We paused here for a bite, and while Emily munched down her piece, I ran over to bag South Black Hill just because... it was there.

Allermuir Hill above the Loganlea and Glencorse Reservoirs from Carnethy Hill, Pentland Hills

After a nice rest and some catching of rays, we headed back down to the bealach to pick up the path heading down to The Howe. On reaching the road, we really regretted not bringing our bikes and dropping them off here before starting out on the route. On a bike, we would have been back at the car in no time. Nevertheless, we had a very enjoyable stroll along the by the water on our way back to Flotterstone; no rush, and back just in time to meet up with the folks for dinner. What a day.

Scald Law summit trig, looking north, Pentland Hills