Return of the Sun

Allermuir Hill and Castlelaw Hill from the Head of Flotterstone Glen

After the snowiest UK winter I can remember, the sun has returned to lighten the spirit and quicken the step. Temperatures in the high teens earlier this week prompted a return to the nearby Pentland Hills for some airy ridge-walking in the warm sunshine. Shorts, t-shirt and sun cream received their first outing of the year and a 7-hour romp from Balerno to Flotterstone and back (inclusive of pub lunch and a spot of sunbathing) made for a memorable day. I was going to cycle but the prospect of walking the tops in the sun was just too great; and you can cycle any day!

Green Cleugh

Leaving the car at Threipmuir Reservoir, I followed the road to Bavelaw Castle and on to the solid path that winds its way through the steep defile of Green Cleugh (green ravine) which gives access into the heart of the Pentlands. Soon after crossing the 350m summit of the cleugh I struck up the hillside to the right, crossed the Logan Burn and climbed up on to the steep cone of West Kip (from the Celtic word caep = pointed hill; 551m). From the narrow, if short, summit ridge of this pretty wee hill, views opened out in all directions although the heat haze precluded any long distance views. The main spine of the Pentlands now led north-eastwards over East Kip (534m) and up on to Scald Law (579m), the highest point in the range. Then it was down steeply, and back up equally steeply on to bulky Carnethy Hill (from ancient British word carneddau - hill of the cairns; 573m) before the final drop and climb on to grassy Turnhouse Hill (506m).

The Kips

From here the scenery softens as you descend down into Flotterstone Glen past some distinctive wind-sculptured larches and down to the Glencorse Burn. This is crossed just before you join the aptly named Glen Road for the short walk to the Flotterstone Inn and a welcome lunch in the sun in the beer garden.

The Pentland Spine from West Kip

On resuming the walk, the nearby ranger centre is worth a few minutes of your time if you want to learn something about the water industry in the glen. Then it was back up Glen Road, diverting left to take in the old filter beds via a path that follows the burn up a narrow wooded gorge before returning to the road near Glen Cottage. I followed the road alongside Glencorse Reservoir for a mile before turning right up the path to Harlaw. This well-made path climbs up through Maiden's Cleugh between Bell’s Hill and Harbour Hill to a gate/stile at 350m before descending across moorland and then through fields to another ranger centre at Harlaw. Here, Scottish Water played its late afternoon joker by closing off my return route to the car by deciding to rebuild the dam of Harlaw Reservoir! Fortunately, I avoided having to detour all the way to Balerno by finding a conveniently placed footpath through Balleny Farm which got me back to the car without too many additional miles!

This circular route from Threipmuir (equally done from Harlaw) has much to commend it - and not just on a warm sunny day! The topography, scenery and views are constantly changing, you get an excellent feel for the Pentland Hills, and the only pub on the route is perfectly placed after most of the hard work is done. Enjoy!

Descending Turnhouse Hill

Check out my future plans for similar walks on: http://www.hillways.co.uk/summer/summer.htm