Harbour Hill

My good lady and I had a couple of hours of freedom to get some fresh air before heading to the rugby at Murrayfield. The way the rugby went we should have stayed on the hills. As we were in the area anyway we went up the Pentland Hills. We started from the Harlaw carpark which I cover in my Harlaw blog.

Today we took the Glencorse path. This is a well trodden route and we are joined by mountain bikers, dog walkers, model plane flyers and horses. Thankfully not too many all at once and to be fair the people are well spread out. Like yesterday the sky is blue and the sun is out, unlike yesterday there is not a breath of wind, a glorious day.
We followed the path to the junction where you have several options, most go straight on through to Glencorse reservoir. To the right lies Bell's Hill, where the model plane flyers headed, but we opted to go left to Harbour Hill primarily as nobody else today has chosen it. 

This is straightforward route and great for a short Sunday walk. It is only a short pull up to the summit, just over 400m, where, when you reach the summit it opens up and gives some great views. You have a panoramic view of almost all of Edinburgh below you, Arthur's seat, The Firth of Forth, across to Fife and going west. superb on a good day and well worth the short effort. 











My good lady striding up Harbour hill. Behind her is Bell's Hill, then Black Hill and the pointed peak of Scald Law well behind.
The top is flat with tussocky grass and lots of sheep so dogs on leads please. You can combine this walk with Allermuir, Caerketton & Castlew Hills. All just under the 500m mark and this would make a good half day outing. There are some restrictions in these hills as these are military firing ranges so follow any posted guidelines.

From Harbour looking across to Capelaw then Allermuir Hill with the peak of Caerketton just popping up in the middle of the photo.

Bonaly reservoir, Edinburgh below, Arthur's seat to the right.

Edinburgh with Fife in the background.
Today there were plenty of fell runners dotted all over the hills. I enjoy my running but on the hills I prefer to walk but good luck to them.

Looking back to Harbour hill from Harlaw carpark.
A couple of hours in the fresh air and just superb. Once again a little effort gets fantastic views.