Wet, wet, wet, Pentlands winter afternoon, December 15, 2012

This morning the skies were blue and the winter sun shone low and bright in the sky, a morning of child minding and domestic duties. Relief arrived at lunchtime, quick kit up, head out, alas the skies had clouded over now, so a little less warm, but happily no tiresome precipitation.

The start today was from the car park at Harlaw, through the trees ...

... leads to the footpath around Harlaw Reservoir.

The reservoir, still part frozen, is thawing now as the climate is a little warmer.

From here we view the dark brooding mass of Black Hill, the first and primary target for this photo-jog today. The top is marshy, boggy, hard work, so I am fingers crossed it remains somewhat frozen.

The flat warm-up will soon come to an end, but we are treated with a view over, still largely frozen, Thriepmuir Reservoir.

Soon we come to the Black Springs, from here turn right, and the climb begins.

The ground here is no longer frozen, this wet mud is hard work. I begin to wonder about the terrain on the marshland atop of Black Hill.

Turn to the left off this path and go up ...

... and it feels like relentlessly up ...

... on a narrow track through the heather ...

... to the summit marker on Black Hill.

Taking a moment to enjoy the views from here :)

The terrain is no longer frozen, it gets boggy and marshy here. Well, no matter, by now my feet could not get wetter than they already are, so enjoying a bit of splashing :)

In places the path down to the north is very stoney. Just as well there isn't a layer of ice here!

Descending Black Hill toward Den's Cleugh, the view of Bell's Hill, the secondary target of the afternoon.

The ascent of Bell's Hill has a short very steep section, here descents are very fast, ascents, not so much!

The summit marker of Bell's Hill ...

... and the view back over Black Hill.

Descended Bell's Hill to the high point of the Maiden's Cleugh. I like this style :)

From here a fast gentle descent on a well maintained path much frequented by dog walkers and mountain bikers, until the ending, returning to the car park at Harlaw.

Good run, a bit hard work with the ground very soft, and heavy winds.