Swanston - 4 July


St Leonards Ramblers headed for the Pentland Hills south of Edinburgh for their latest walks.


 Setting off in heavy rain, everyone hoped the weather would improve. Unfortunately, while having their morning refreshments, close to the start of the walks, the rain became torrential and prospects of improving conditions looked unlikely.


Unfazed, everyone returned to the coach to drive to the start of their walks anticipating a soggy day ahead. However, while travelling, the rain eased and much to their delight, they found as they disembarked that the rain had stopped!


Both groups set off westward from Hillend, making towards the picturesque village of Swanston where Robert Louis Stevenson spent several summers in the 1870’s.  Here, the high walkers turned south and tackled the steep accent of Allermuir Hill (1592 feet)while the others continued west then southwest to climb the lower slopes of Capelaw Hill until reaching Bonaly Reservoir at 1190ft. Turning south, the low walkers made their way downhill towards Glencorse Reservoir, passing the point where the high walkers finished their descent of Allermuir Hill.  By this point, the mists had lifted, the clouds had broken, and the sun was shining as both groups completed their treks by walking the length of Glencorse Reservoir and on to the finish at Flotterston Inn.  


After changing out of walking gear, the coach took the ramblers back to the location of their morning stop where they enjoyed a warming bowl of soup and buttered roll before continuing to their “scheduled” social stop at the popular Butterfly World with its adjacent garden centre, retail outlets and farmhouse inn. After an enjoyable hour or so, the coach returned everyone home to East Kilbride.