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| Threipmuir Reservoir |
Scald Law is the highest peak in the Pentland Hills but only just. At 579 metres high it is a grand 3 metres higher than its neighbour Carnethy Hill. The common route to Scald Law is to start at Flottersone and walk the ridge that goes up Turnhouse Hill, then taking in Carnethy and Scald Law. Those feeling good could continue the ridge and take in East & West Kip.
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| Mrs B going round Black Hill |
It was a beautiful morning as we walked to the Black Springs which funnily enough sit at the base of the Black Hill. We had a clear view of West Kip in the distance. Scald Law would not be seen until we were well round Black Hill. I had suggested going over Black Hill but Mrs B was not so keen, maybe on the way back!!
At the Black Hill we turn right along a fairly well used track with Threipmuir Reservoir down to our right. No fishermen looking for brown trout today. Last night we had watched a triathlon club use this for their swimming leg, rather them than me. We were starting to gain height, it was a beautiful day for walking and the views were looking good already. After about half an hour we are not going into Green Cleugh, a narrow valley. Looking down I can see the path bring you into the hills from Balerno. As we went round we started to descend and I realised we were going to lose all the height we had gained and go all the way down to meet the path. Good exercise but not sure Mrs B appreciated this particularly as her walking pole, the only one we had today, broke at one of the joints. I had thought we stayed higher but not to be.
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| Green Cleugh |
Mistake number 2 occurred when I saw a path to the left that might be a short-cut. Of course it wasn't to be. A stiff climb brought us to an open area which showed the path cutting back and would go to Hare Hill. The terrain across to the ridge was not for Mrs B so back down to the valley we went, me leading, daggers in my back, but at least we had sight of the ridge.
A short walk brought us to the waterfall area, it was not so spectacular due to the current dry spell. One side of the ravine has been planted with natural Scottish woodland and you are invited to see the difference.
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| The humpback of Carnethy hill from Scald Law |
A couple of mountain bikers came up the slope, these were the first people we had seen today. We reached the Howe and the start of the walk up to Scald Law. This is an ancient thoroughfare which if you continued up and down would take you to the A702. It is a straight forward climb up until you reach the ridge which you can turn left to climb Carnethy Hill or left to Scald Law. As we climbed I enjoyed the views of Loganlea reservoir another place I want to fish. We were now spotting people on the ridge and on our path so no more isolation.
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| Loganlea reservoir from Scald Law |
The clouds were starting to gather but it was still a pleasant day. There is some erosion but overall the path is in good order and it was not too long until we were on the summit. To be fair Mrs B was not walking fit so she was now finding this a bit of a struggle but she made it.
The views are superb in every direction. You have great views over to Fife. the Bridges, the Forth valley, south to the Border Hills and the town of Penicuik as well as the Pentland Hills themselves. Another great example whereby you don't need to climb Munros to get great views of Scotland.
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| Moi at the summit |
A nice picnic lunch, enjoying the views, on a grand day just can't be beat. However Mrs B was not for any more climbing so the decision was made to retrace our steps and walk along this side of Black Hill and Loganlea to Glencorse Reservoir. From there we would take the hill path back to the carpark.
The clouds had pretty much gone and it was a warm day. The descent was fine but took its toll on Mrs B's joints, the flanks of the hills were covered in blooming heather and ferns and these were pretty as a picture. Anyone who thinks bees are in short supply come to these heathers, buzzing bees were a constant background noise.
Despite its proximity to Edinburgh and this being the school holidays we are not surrounded by people.
There are some fishermen in boats on Loganlea and there are constant circles in the water as trout are feeding sub surface, I am jealous. This is a tarmac stretch and lasts for about 2 miles. Butterflies were constantly fluttering particularly the Small tortoiseshell. Herons stood by the burns looking for small brown trout for their lunch.
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| Loganlea reservoir |
At Glencorse Reservoir the water level was exceptionally low, I'm not sure that the relative dry spell was that bad but maybe so.
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| Left is the way home |
We now turned into the valley called Maiden's Cleugh and climbed gradually until we reached the join where you can climb Harbour and Capelaw Hills. This is quite a barren landscape and the sun was beating down, glad not far to go now.
Once we had reached the crest we could see the carpark about 20 minutes walk away. The combine harvesters were stripping the fields as we walked creating huge dust storms that could be seen a long way away.
Overall a great walk, we were out for about 5 hours and covered at least a dozen miles. The Juniper Green Inn and a pint or 2 of Yellowhammer were now the objective. a good day out.
PS: I did fish Harlaw the next day and it was great fun. A daddy hatch was on during the afternoon and evening and this was the only item that the trout would come for. And the takes were spectacular a superb few hours.
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