The Pentland Hills Winter 2010

The Pentlands have already been covered, so I wont add any more other than some pictures

 

Both images are of the view from the car park at Harlaw

View of Carnethy Hill heading towards Maidens Cleugh

East Cairn hill

Small wood on Bells Hill

Almondell and Calderwood Country Park

Winter 2010 will go down as one of the worst (or best depending on your view) on record in recent years. Siberian winds moved in as early as November (still technically Autumn) and only temperarily shifted when some lovely Arctic weather fancied a shot. Due to this, my rear wheel drive car and inability to drive in the snow I thought it best not to go on any 100 mile drives to the mountains, so I've stuck to more local walks when able to get out.

West Lothian has some surprisingly picturesque areas mercifully lacking in people and buckie bottles. There's also a few more walks than I expected so you have plenty of options if you fancy a short day walk. If you fancy a walk where you can see some of the more colourful wildlife, try the Aldmondvale centre on a Saturday night.

I live near the A71 and drive past the Almondell and Calderwood park every morning on my way to Edinburgh. Although it took me about 2 years to spot the sign, purely down to me being the conscientious eye's on the road type driver I am ;-)

To be honest I was pleasantly surprised with the walk, I didn't expect much at all. After the intial dull section you head down into a thickly wooded gorge, the path is about 150 feet up from the River Almond which can be seen fleetingly through the foliage.

After that just follow the path round, there's nothing much to the walk. It's easy and very short, but a nice break for an hour should you fancy it. But roll on spring so I can get back to proper walking !!