Currie and the Poet's Glen

Hello all!

Another week of school down, so another wander through the countryside to clear everyone's head. Temperatures had reached a balmy 45 F, so we were all ready to get out and enjoy the heatwave. Today we went down to Currie to wander through part of the Pentland Hills. We all gathered at our flat for a quick brunch of bacon, eggs, and toast, and then struck out to the bus stop to wait for the 45 bus and head down to Currie.

Once there, we found our path and started the journey. The walk started following the Water of Leith, meandering with the water way, we took some small side paths just to see where they led to. Nowhere. Back on the trail it was, climbing out of the cleugh and up to the right of way paths through the fields.

There is an excellent system of trails in Scotland and all through Britain called the right of way. The definition is a path that has been used by the public for at least 20 years and connects 2 public places. It allows everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside, and keeping public lands availble for entry by walking to all. Using these trails, we walked along some wonderful fields, and then started our climb up the Pentlands.

As we climbed higher and higher, the views became more and more grand. Looking out we could see all the way to the Firth, the castle and Aurthur's Seat prominent in the city skyline. One of the simple pleasures we are unable to get enough of is the beauty of the city of Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. No matter where we have been, it seems we find an exquistily picturesque spot, and today was no different. Pausing often to enjoy the view was second nature on our stroll.

We also paused for a few the throw some snowballs and enjoy the little things, such as the random steps on the stone wall seperating the fields. They didn't lead very high or far, but they were there, so why not climb them. Taking our time and doing our best not the slip on the ice, we kept climbing.

When we reached the top of Warklaw Hill we were greated with sheep and a nice farm. Cows peered out from the barns as we walked past, wondering why the dog was attached to humans in such an odd manner, apparently leashes are not used much on farm dogs. We were soon descending quickly, past the fields, along a right of way that was all rubble as the dirt had obviously been washed away from years of rain.

We descended the hill through the Poet's Glen, following a simple stream cutting its way down into the hillside. A great part of going up and down hills are the small waterfalls that the streams create, and with some in shadow, it was just cold enough for some of the ice created from the splashing to still be lingering.

The sun and warmish temps kept us happy all day, but with tired legs we stopped by the local for a quick pint and cuppa tea before heading back home. It was quite a walk today, and we were all looking forward to a good dinner.

Audry's day did not end happily, in her opinion. Besides being denied Thai food for dinner, she was then forced against her every will to take a bath and wash off the lovely dirt and grime built up through a grand walk in the countryside, this constitutes animal abuse to a beagle. To us it just means that the couch, blankets and bed do not get coated in dirt and we all get to rest without the worry that we are rolling in filth.

More soon!

-L&A