Pentland Hills

We went out early Sunday morning to explore some tracks further away along the Pentlands than usual, taking a guide from the routes taken by members of the Edinburgh RC off road mailing list. Here is the official Pentlands park map. Absolutely beautiful weather, and hardly any people about. Up over Walklaw Hill by the Bypass, then round the tracks to Harlaw Reservior. The ground was very dry, so the path to Black Springs was open. From here there is an excellent traverse round Den's Cleuch on single track, sometimes a little narrow. Instead of following the path we crossed over the valley and went up the side of Black Hill and into a sheep field. Our feeling that we had taken a wrong turning was reinforced by meeting the farmer who was carrying a large gun with telescopic sights. After much apologising carried on round the Glen to Green Cleuch (Dave Henniker has some photos). No time to go up the steep track to Hare Hill - that's for next time - but pushed up the footpath to take the Black hill path back to Black Springs - only realised at the top there is a path to ride up on the other side of the wall. Black Hill path is excellent - completely dry - rocks and ruts, on a long downhill stretch. Neil managed an endo. Back home with a left at Black Springs, down Poets Glen and fast back along the Water of Leith. 37k in 3 hours. Cannot believe we had not found these tracks before! Look forward to more early morning rides out to the west - Harehill, East Kip are next on the agenda!