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

Braid Hills

It had been my first attempt at the winter season and I had managed to pack in a bit of winter walking  (with some group leading) and my first winter climb. There had been a great deal of snow and quite a harsh winter, but the temperature is quickly rising and there is now the sense of spring in the air. The crocuses were out across the road and it was a lovely mild night - too good to waste.

Crocuses in Morningside, Edinburgh

Crocuses in Morningside, Edinburgh

Crocuses in Morningside, Edinburgh

Emily and I headed out straight after work in the hope of making the most of the fading light. We decided to do the usual circuit: first heading up Blackford Hill, down through Blackford Glen, then up to the top of The Braids before coming back down to Morningside.

Looking North over Edinburgh from Braid Hills

It was a very mild night and the air was extremely clear. We had a great view over Edinburgh in all directions from Blackford Hill. We were perfectly comfortable in our short sleeves as we huddled with the crowds of got-walkers through Blackford Glen.

Looking Northeast over Edinburgh from Braid Hills

By the time we got to the top of The Braids, the light was fading and views over Edinburgh were even more dramatic. We were reminded that winter was still in the air as the temperature quickly dropped and the last of the light disappeared. A lovely evening.

At the top of Braid Hills, Edinburgh

Braid Hills

Pentlands with a light dusting of snow, from Braid Hills

It had been a glorious day but unfortunately I had been stuck inside at my desk all day. However, this gave me great motivation to get my daily tasks finished that would allow me to leave early and make the most of the bright spring evening. I already had a small bag packed with some essentials so all that was need was a super quick change into more suitable attire.

Blackford Hill with Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat behind

 

I was soon entering Blackford Glen after the short dander up the road from the flat. I had taken a stroll up to the top of Blackford Hill quite a few times in the past but I had never been up to the top of the Braids - my goal for this evenings stroll. Instead of tacking the main road through the middle of the glen, I took the path that went straight up the steep bank and hugged the south boundary fence of the glen. After a short distance I went through the gate on the right that led out of the glen to the lower Hermitage Golf Course. I crossed Braid Hills Drive just opposite the little cafe and entered The Braids at the small patch of waste ground that is the only access through the thick gorse. I headed straight across the the upper course and made a direct line for the masts at the top of the hill, looking out for golf balls as I went!

At the top I had fantastic views of the Pentlands and all across Edinburgh. I even had to take my Windstopper off as I was too warm; a sign that summer is approaching? Perhaps...

Looking towards North Berwick Law in the distance

I zipped back down via Buckstone Snab just in time for tea. A very easy walk but great to make the most of the final light of the magnificent day.

Looking towards the Pentlands across Hermitage Golf Course