25/09/15 - Pentland High

Distance - 8 Miles
Geocaches - 3
Walk Inspiration
Pub - Flotterstone Inn, Edinburgh Gold


Another University Open Day.  At 303 miles, this one wins the longest distance from home by a country mile but we don't mind ferrying our talented offspring when it means returning to our favourite City.

Edinburgh is becoming a home from home.  We have rented the same apartment that we used two years ago.  We must be due a tech refresh as both my mini laptop and Sonia's phone connected the Wi-Fi without prompting for a password.

The plan for today is for me to drop the Student and Sonia off at Heriot Watt University and then head off to the other side of the Pentland Hills to start a walk from Flotterstone.

And if I am going to walk the Pentland Hills for the first time, I may as well aim for the highest part - Scald Law.

Directions

The start of the walk couldn't be easier.  Walk around the edge of Glencorse and Loganlea reservoirs, very gently gaining height.  A few dog walkers, joggers and fly fishermen in boats to say hello to.

Glencorse Reservoir

At the far Western end of Loganlea, the heavy lifting starts.  A steep climb to a gap between Scald Law and Carnethy hill.

Scald Hill is going to be a detour - but its worth it for the views over the rest of the range, the Firth of Forth and a geocache.

Astride Scald Law

Range Views

Then its drop back down to where I was before - finding a lovely spot out the wind for lunch, before climbing back to the top of Carnethy Hill.

In some respects, this walk is like the Malverns - albeit on a grander scale.  Once on the ridge, its fine walking dropping and re-climbing between the various peaks.

Views on the Descent

Another cache at an unnamed hill past White Craig Heads and then its down, down, down.  This route certainly tackles the hills in the correct order as its very steep.  Knees Hurting, ears popping, at least I am not going the other way like some hardy souls.

I tell them that if they follow me, they will get to the pub.  Their motivation is strong, as they carry on going up - if anything, slightly faster than they were before.

Back at the car park - all that remains is my first pint in Scotland for 12 months.  A very, very cold Edinburgh Gold.

Very Cold Edinburgh Gold