Pentland Hills

Just south of Edinburgh is a range of hills--The Pentland Hills, to be exact. They really aren't far away from the city's centre and are easily accessible by bus. You can't really see them from where we live, but as you travel south of the city, you can start to get a glimpse of these green rolling hills.

While Alex was here, we decided to check out Pentland and made our way there for a little hill walking. We decided to follow the Capitol View trail, with a planned detour to hit the peak of Caerketton Hill. It isn't high, but it is a straight, steep climb. The labour of the hike is worth it, though, to see the views of the city from the summit (which, oddly, I can't find pictures of).

On the hike up

We happened to reach the peak just as a storm was coming in. It was crazy windy up there, but really breathtaking to watch the storm come right in and pass through. From where we stood, you could see sheets of rain coming down and moving to the east. I've never seen a storm from such a vantage point and it was truly amazing.


No sooner had we come back down to the main trail did the rain stop and so we decided to keep going. Our efforts were again rewarded when we stumbled upon this pastoral scene.

Apparently, April begins the lambing season and so, in mid May, you are quite likely to encounter sheep grazing along the hillside either tending to their newly born lambs or preparing for the event.

The Pentland Hills are actually quite expansive and there area apparently some really great trails to take. It's so close to the city, and easily accesible by bus (or even bike), so I'm sure we'll be back to try some other hikes! Anyone want to come along?