Winter Wonderland

Snow! We have snow! The Pentland Hills looked fantastic in the distance this weekend. There was no sunshine this morning, we had a leaden sky all day, but it was not very cold. After a leisurely lovely bit of a Sunday lie-in I set off for the car park at Bonaly ... excited about a couple of hours running in the hills in the snow. The hills and the snow offered no disappointment for me today. I had a wonderful time. Hard work in the snow, and a slow pace, and lots and lots of photos. I've been over five summits, distance about 13km, with about 600m climb, had brief chats with lots of friendly walkers, and briefer words with a few friendly runners.

From the gate near the car park a well maintained footpath leads through trees, ascending to pass Bonaly Reservoir, and descending into the Phantom's Cleugh. I do not much like to run on this path, I find the stones uncomfortable. Today I turn to the right in the direction of Torduff Reservoir, then make left to ascend Harbour Hill to west of the reservoir. Looking back I have excellent views over the Firth of Forth to the Paps of Fife.

The maintained footpath through the trees is covered ...

... well, all of the footpaths are covered.

Ascending Harbour Hill ...

and looking back for excellent views to the Paps of Fife

I soon reach the fence crossing near the flat top of Harbour Hill. The snow is drifting here. I remember the summertime, there is a pile of stones here which was infested with horrible wasps. No wasps today! Soon I am atop Harbour Hill and looking over Capelaw, big sister of Harbour Hill, another flat one. These two tops are like sponges, almost always soggy boggy ... today the ground is frozen solid. There is a short steep descent from Harbour Hill. The walshies are doing good work for me here.

Fence crossing on Harbour Hill, with drifting snow

Looking to Capelaw from Harbour Hill

Descending Harbour Hill

In a few minutes I am ascending Capelaw. The first part of the ascent is steep but the gradient soon gives way to a more gentle climb and easier running. I pause to enjoy the view of Castlelaw which is the next target  for me today. The descent of Capelaw also has a short steep section down to a stile and gate where we find a group of walkers enjoying a picnic.

Ascending Capelaw

Looking toward Castlelaw from Capelaw

Descending Capelaw

There is a well maintained path here sometimes known as the "red brick road". The snow is drifting here as well and in places is up my calves. The short ascent of Castlelaw is soon reached on another stone ridden path. The red flag is flying on the summit and I have been hearing the sounds of gun fire on the military ranges below.

Drifting snow on the "red brick road" ...

... up the calves in places.

Ascending Castlelaw

Red flag flying atop Castlelaw

There is quite a bit of wind blowing up here and it's been a cold wind on my left cheek which is now a little bit frozen. I am looking forward to turning around and turning the other cheek, so to speak. I take a moment to savour the view to Allermuir Hill where I'm heading now, before descending Castlelaw on a narrow track covered with more drifting snow.

Looking at Allermuir Hill from Castlelaw

Descending Castlelaw

The red brick road quickly leads to the ascent of Allermuir Hill from the south-west, and soon to the summit. I descend to the north-east in the direction of  Swanston, with a wonderful view of Caerketton Crags, then make a left on the Capital View Walk route, where I meet with a herd of Highland cattle.

Ascending Allermuir Hill

Trig on top of Allermuir Hill

Descending Allermuir Hill

Great views of Caerketton Crags

Highland Cattle

These long horned beasts are usually placid but I am always a bit nervous around them ... especially if they have calves or if the bull is among the cows. Today one blocks the path ... it has been watching me, moo-ing, and is now moving toward me. I leave the path with haste and head upwards away from the herd.

Escape route

I traverse a bit, descend a bit, ascend a bit on small foot paths, sheep tracks, and rough ground, and the tree covered top of little White Hill comes into view. This will be the last top of my run today. It is not long before the stile and dog door is reached, someone has left the door open, or perhaps it has frozen in place. To the right is a lovely descent along the tree free north side of White Hill. I'm heading up into the trees and then down through the trees.

White Hill

Stile and open dog door on White Hill

Down through the trees

There are some beautiful views here descending White Hill through the trees. Here it is steep and slippery and lots of roots are hidden beneath the snow. I catch my toe on a root, avoid the fall, but the stance foot slips, and I enjoy a small slide in the snow.

Lovely views descending White Hill ...

... and unplanned "tobogganing"

The steep slither is done and the views back along the stream are to die for. The stream is crossed on a small wooden footbridge and then a few steps return me to the car park at Bonaly where I set out a little more than a couple of hours earlier - I've had a great time today!

Looking back along the stream below White Hill

Wooden footbridge over the stream near car park at Bonaly 

Enjoy!