Pykestone Hill

David Kaye

25 October 2018

No photos from the October meet I’m afraid, as the wind would have blown away the cameras.

A bumper turnout of 13 brave souls and Cosmo the dog turned up for the Pykestone Hill adventure. It was a dry and bright but blustery day – excellent for October.

New members Helen, Denise and Ken made their debuts, and old connoisseur Jack made a welcome return, jogging uphill at the head of affairs, as always.

Jim led us on a sporting route and attempted to drag us across a river, attracted by the pathless tussocks on the other side. Sadly a group of spoil-sports pointed out the bridge leading to the path, and a more conventional ascent.

The party soon fragmented into three groups, reflecting the Banks hard, moderate and easy walkers. This enabled everyone to ascend at their own pace. The sprinters were kind enough to wait for the rest of us at the summit.

After a “summit” meeting four of the party decided to return, while the rest pushed on for the prized tick of The Scrape, a minor Donald.

Lunch was taken at this, second top of the day. Cosmo managed to pinch one of Jim’s sandwiches and wolfed it down, including the cellophane wrapper. Sarah has yet to confirm whether the resulting poo came pre-wrapped.

We returned to the bealach and took a short cut across the hill to rejoin the path. This allowed Jim to savour some tasty tussocks en route (Tussock’s caramel wafers?).

We re-assembled at the car park and convoyed to the all new Bull Mansion, where Marion provided a splendid repast of carrot cake and 57 varieties of bicky.

Yet another fine day in the annals of the Marauders.

As people are often busy in the run up to Xmas, I thought it would be useful to provide the next two dates for your diary.

Monday 19th November. Meall nan Caorach and Meall Reamhar.

Two pleasant Grahams near the Sma’ Glen. A good landrover track, and only 1km between the summits.

Friday 14th December. Pentlands.

Something near Edinburgh for the short winter’s day. Exact route to be agreed. Possibly Caerketton and Allermuir.

As always, please let me know as soon as you can if you intend to come.

Cheers, David.