Black Hill

 Hill: Black Hill (Earlston)

Type: Sub2k

Height: 314m

When I was on my ramble up the Eildons I spotted a distinctive pointed top a few miles south, worth investigating as I had time. Back at the car I looked it up and another short outing was on the cards.

There is minimal parking on the back road outside Earlston and the farmer has been using it recently so two cars maximum to avoid blocking his field entrance and very muddy even before the ramble begins. That distinctive red clay.

There were many cattle spread across the various fields but thankfully none on the hill itself. A straightforwad short steep ascent up the hillside. The OS map showed some crags from other directions but the frontal assault has no difficulties. The amount of scree and rock on the flanks confirm this was a settlement of some size. None marked on the map but the summit is another iron age fort.

Eildons from the summit

Earlston below

The top is soon reached and the wind tries to blow me over again. Nice views and there is an option of heading down the ridge to join a local path. But on a day like this simply back down the ascent route in good time to watch the rugby somewhere. 

Ascent: 201m

Distance: 2.2km    

Time: 0.49

Wildlife: Blackbird; Great Tit; Raven; Woodpigeon

Black Hill Pentlands Just one angry Coo

Black Hill

After my earlier adventures I was parked up at Harlaw car park and set off for the Black Hill (a Sub 2000 501m). It was a hill that I had climbed but quite a few years ago so a good time for a refresher. However, there was one slight problem. A sign indicated that the Black springs walk was closed today and as I had to go over this spot, would my walk be over before it properly starts a second time?

Track to Black Springs

I walked past the reservoirs and cut along the side of Threipmuir to the Black Springs. A digger was sitting idle, tape blocked the crossing and a big hole had been dug. However there were no workmen around so over I went and followed the rising track to the south end of Black hill. I spotted other people in the distance so not the only one to disregard the signs.

East Cairn the distant hill

It was pretty hot so time for water intake and hat on but when I left the track and gained height there was a cooling breeze which was welcomed.
From this end there is no obvious track so I just picked a spot and climbed up beside a fence. A path of sorts appeared so easier walking. When the climb levelled off there was a wooden gate so decision made and over I went. It is a featureless and rather bland hill.

Featureless top

This hill is a managed grouse moor so mainly heather terrain but considering the shooting season is due to start it was very surprising that I never sprung or heard one today.
To get to the top keep following very narrow trails which are either sheep trails or grouse tracks.

Scald Law & the Kips behind estate track

It is not too bad, keep focusing on the white poles which are grouse feeding areas and then bingo, near the top I find a keepers trail which leads all the way to the top. A couple of walkers over to my right the first I met on the hill
At the top the views are excellent particularly of the main Pentlands ridge, Scald Law, the Kips etc. Great views of the bridges and Fife as well as Edinburgh a superb spot to spend some time picking out all the landmarks.

The top

I continued on the track heading east and descending. Some boggy peat areas to negotiate but keep following the track. I met 3 old guys coming up the only other people I met on the hill. I think they were glad of the breather to stop and chat.

Glencorse below

More superb views across the east Pentlands hills as I descended. Then I came across the shooting butts ready for the slaughter, if there are any birds to shoot.

At the bottom I turn left and follow the path back to the Black Springs. This time there are workers but a bit of pleading and I am let over. Very glad as my alternative was back up the trail to Balerno which was a few unwanted miles.

Allermuir etc

Just before the reservoir I came across a field of bullocks. One beside the gate is in a snorting angry mood staring wide eyed at me but I had to laugh as it was desperately trying to undo the rope keeping the gate closed. I walked through the small paddock just as it succeeded in getting in. Could be fun and games if another walker meets it in this enclosed space.

Black Springs

I was wondering what aura I give off that these beasts seem inclined to do me harm, probably fear. More likely they know that I like a succulent rib-eye.
Still another enjoyable day in the countryside.
Distance 6.21 miles (9.99km)
Ascent 982 ft (299m)
Time 2 hours 21min.