Ooooh those summer nights (on the Moorfoot Donalds!)

[Jaxter]

A free Tuesday afternoon and a good forecast looked like a good excuse to take the car through and sneak some hills on the way home – as I was Portobello based that day a trip to the Moorfoots was on the cards

I parked up near the Gladhouse reservoir, had a quick change and headed off along the road. This soon became more of a farm track


Wonderful news – a convenient crossing - not that it was strictly necessary in these dry conditions!


Across the bridge the track led me gradually uphill towards some ruined buildings


And some less ruined ones!


Looking back to the Gladhouse reservoir


And the Pentlands – it was a stunning evening


The track led me past some grouse butts before becoming less distinct


Looking ahead towards Blackhope Scar


The many wind turbines of Bowbeat Hill lay ahead


A familiar sight in Donald territory – following the fenceposts!


As I approached the summit of Blackhope Scar the ground became a bit filled with boggy sections and peat hag nonsense but the weather was so good that the ground was dry enough to pass unscathed


Summit of Blackhope Scar


Towards Bowbeat Hill


One of the really cool things about the Borders is the names on the hills and this is no exception – I followed Long Edge down to Kings Road Nick where I picked up a hydro track. Easy walking at least…




This track took me over Emly Bank and past Rocky Cleuch before I had to leave it to find the “summit” of Bowbeat Hill – not the most distinguished of summits


Better views back the way


Down the glen back to Gladhouse


From here I followed the track for a while – might as well make it easy for myself!


At the end of the track I headed off up the ridge, a bit pathless but easy enough walking to lead me to the summit of Dundreich




Back to Bowbeat Hill


Blackhope Scar


The Pentlands




My route so far – Blackhope Scar and Bowbeat Hill


Jaxter on Dundreich


Wee Arthur’s Seat


From here I followed the fence towards Jeffries Corse before straightlining it down to the Gladstone Cottage – hard work on the knees but I was getting hungry!


Pentlands again


Gladstone reservoir (cottage in the right hand corner)


Looking back up – left my route up, right my route down


Looking across to the ruins/non-ruins I walked up past






Back on the track


It was a beautiful evening and I was feeling very warm as I headed for the car


Stopped for a wee shot of the reservoir – bit midgey to fancy a dip though


Trusty Colonel Mustard – look how clean he still looks