THE Pentlands have a way of dragging people back, and it's not just because they are easy to access from the Central Belt. This is a world of its own on the doorstep of Scotland's capital – offering everything from strenuous hill climbs to short walks with a pram or longer, low-level strolls in quiet valleys.
This walk might be classed in the last category but is by no means second best to the higher hills and you will probably have slightly aching legs at the end. It is good for a rainy day, when views from up high can be obscured.
After walking past
the filter beds below the Telford-built Glencorse Reservoir, take a short detour right to see a spectacular waterfall. Remember, though, that the glen did not always look as it does today – submerged below the waters are the ruins of the 13th-century St Catherine's Chapel.
Beyond this the glen narrows and the steep sides of Turnhouse and Carnethy hills plunge down before the pointed tops of East and West Kip appear in front, with the highest point of the range, Scald Law, on the left.
At the end of the glen, surrounded by high hills, is an idyllically lonely cottage, The Howe. This is the last sign of human habitation before you enter the dramatic gorge at the west side of the Black Hill. On the left is another wonderful waterfall. One of the hidden gems of the Pentlands, it has been designated a site of special scientific interest because of the mosses that grow around it. It is spectacular after heavy rain.
Once round the side of Black Hill, the view changes and you are taken away from the miniature world of high-sided glens to be confronted with a view of Edinburgh and its suburbs and then further afield, over the Firth of Forth to the Lomond hills and the Ochils.
This is a great place to enjoy a packed lunch before continuing round and then under Bell's Hill. There are often cattle here but there is plenty open moorland to make an easy detour as the main ridge comes into view again. Then it's a short walk back down the Glen Road for a well-earned pint at the Flotterstone Inn.
The route can be completed by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. It does cross rough ground, however, and in places is fairly remote, so full hillwalking gear is necessary. As with all walks, it is important to take a map and compass and know how to use them. The conditions in the Pentlands can change quickly and low cloud, high wind and rain can mean you can easily get lost.
Distance 91/2 miles.
Height climbed 630ft.
Time 4 to 41/2 hours.
Map OS Landranger 66.
Park Take the A702 south from the Edinburgh Bypass (A720) and after about three miles turn right, at the Flotterstone Inn. Follow the narrow road beyond the pub to reach a car park next to a visitor centre – after about 100 yards.
In summary Follow a path behind the visitor centre, parallel to the Glen Road. After 300 yards go through a gate on the left, then go right at a signpost, towards old water filter beds.
Go left when the path reaches the road and follow it past Glencorse and Loganlea reservoirs. At the end of the reservoirs go round to the right, following a sign to Balerno. Just before a wooden gate at the end of a gorge, go right to follow a path round the north west side of Black Hill. Go past Threipmuir Reservoir and bear right, between Black Hill and Bell's Hill.
Follow a path to the drive of Logan Cottage and return to the Glen Road. Go left to retrace your steps to the car park.
Refreshments The Flotterstone Inn is ideally situated for a drink or a meal. Or try The Steading, just next to the bypass on the A702.
The full article contains 676 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
