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

The Pentland Hills

Looking South-East From Allermuir Hill

Having waited 30-odd years to set foot in these rounded dumplings of grass and heather which carry the Southern Uplands all the way to Edinburgh’s doorstep, I’ve now spent quite a few days wandering over them. Whilst they lend themselves to a variety of half-day circular walks from any direction, it is worth considering at least once, tackling all 13 of the north-eastern most hills in a single day. This ring of shapely hills form an elongated horseshoe encircling Glencorse Reservoir.

Carnethy Hill

My preferred start point is the car park at Bonaly on the southern outskirts of Edinburgh where a track leads up past an old reservoir and out on to the open hill. The route can be followed either clockwise or anti-clockwise and can be curtailed at almost any point by descdending to Glencorse Reservoir and retracing the path/track back to Bonaly.

Logan Burn

From Bonaly, I recommend going anti-clockwise thus taking the furthest – and highest - hills early and hopefully ending up with good views of Edinburgh in the evening sunlight! This route takes in the minor humps of Harbour Hill (421m) and Bell’s Hill (406m) before climbing over the dark heather hump of Black Hill (501m). A sharp descent to the Logan Burn leads to a good lunch spot before the climb up to the bealach between East and West Kip. The latter appears as a sharp cone from many aspects and serves as a useful navigation marker for the early part of the route.

The Distinctive Cone of West Kip

From West Kip (551m) which marks the furthest point from Bonaly, an excellent path follows the ridge north-eastwards over East Kip (534m), South Black Hill (563m), Scald Law (579m), Carnethy Hill (573m) and Turnhouse Hill (505m) before descending into the softer and greener landscape of Glencorse. You then pick your way around various path junctions before climbing out of the glen past the Army rifle range and on up to Castlelaw Hill (488m), keeping to the right side of the boundary fence if the red flags are flying (and even if they’re not, I would suggest)!

Turnhouse Hill From Castlelaw

From Castlelaw, a track leads down and over a conspicuous cattle grid before climbing sharply up to Allermuir Hill (493m) which suddenly brings Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth into view. From here, a diversion is made eastwards above the Hillend artificial ski slope to Caerketton Hill (c490m) the very last bump before Edinburgh. You then retrace your steps back over Allermuir and cross Capelaw Hill (454m) before descending back down to Bonaly.

Tackling all of these hills in a single day is straightforward for fit hillwalkers with 8 hrs to spare. Whilst some will want to spend longer savouring parts of the walk and will choose to split it up into separate days, the complete round is a very satisfying achievement. It should be contemplated at least once by those who tramp these picturesque hills frequently. For non-locals, who may only get one chance to sample the Pentlands, this day will give the complete package and an instant understanding of what they have to offer!

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