Pentlands

Sarah Muirhead

11 November 2021

We could not have asked for a better morning for our walk in the Pentlands yesterday. An elite seven set off from the Threipmuir car park, which was already quite busy, at what we thought was a steady pace, only to find ourselves joined by Jack within a mile.

Before we reached the base of West Kip we were caught and then overtaken by someone that Willie appeared to know. He turned out to be Alistair Webster, ex Bank. First lunch was taken in the sun but out of the biting wind just beyond West Kip, minus Jack who we assumed was gone.

After East Kip we had our first decision point, whether or not to go over Scald Law. We were all up for it despite the slight time pressure imposed by the coffee shop closing time, and found ourselves rejoined by Jack who had gone for the outlier of South Black Hill. This enabled us to have group photograph mark 2. No sooner had Jack rejoined us than he was off again, while us mere mortals had lunch.

The next decision point was in Green Cleugh where coffee and scones won over the north side of Black Hill. As we approached Bavelaw Castle Jack appeared again, this time having nipped over Black Hill. A horse and rider also appeared, and again Willie struck up conversation. This time it was Jill Brittle, ex Bank & KPMG.

The Corner Cafe on Lanark Road served welcome refreshments and a good time was had by all.

Jack, we are just envious of your boundless energy!

Best wishes
Sarah