Allermuir Hill, Midlothian.

Allermuir Hill

Allermuir Hill, Midlothian. Section 28A
Height – 493 metres. Map - OS Landranger 66.
Climbed - 20 August 2010. Time taken – 1.5 hours.
Distance – 5 kilometres. Ascent – 365 metres.
Trip Report Details:

The weather forecast wasn’t very good so I was planning on leaving Edinburgh and returning home. However some early morning blue sky convinced me to firstly take in this Sub 2000 Hill.

I drove the short distance to the Hillend Ski Centre, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, and parked in the upper car park. By this time there was some light rain falling so it was on with the waterproofs before setting off up the side of the dry ski slope. Unfortunately cloud was floating around the hill tops, although the rain had eased.

There were various paths and I followed one that led onto the east ridge of Caerketton Hill where there was a directional sign. A couple of dog walkers were about as was a runner heading up the hill. I followed the fence line and path to the east top of Caerketton Hill which was in the cloud. A short descent and another climb took me to the summit of Caerketton Hill but the views weren’t great due to the cloud.

A steeper descent and re-ascent took me to the viewfinder and trig point on the summit of Allermuir Hill. It was rather windy here but at least I had some views of Arthur’s Seat, The Castle, and across the City of Edinburgh to the Firth of Forth and Fife beyond.

It was a bit too windy to linger at the summit so I returned down Allermuir Hill’s East Ridge and followed the path below Caerketton Crags towards Swanston Golf Course. A marked trail followed a path above the golf course back to the ski centre and the end of short but enjoyable hill day, despite the weather.

Photos taken on walk.

Hill of Fare, Aberdeenshire.

Hill of Fare

Hill of Fare, Aberdeenshire. Section 21B.
Height – 471 metres. Map – OS Landranger 38.
Climbed – 15 August 2010. Time taken – 3.5 hours.
Distance – 12.5 kilometres. Ascent – 400 metres.
Trip Report Details:

It was a sunny morning when I set off, from my home in Aberdeen, for the short journey to the start of this walk at Raemoir, near Banchory. I drove west along the B9125 and at its junction with the A980 turned right to the Raemoir House Hotel. Here I enquired about parking and was directed to a triangular area of grass at the rear of the Hotel.

Once geared up I walked along the vehicle track, through Spy Brae Wood, and on towards the vacant buildings at Burnhead, passing through a gate with a warning sign regarding wildlife management and firearms in use. From Burnhead the gradient increased as I climbed through Craigbeg Wood before emerging from the forest below The Skairs. It was cloudier now but with very little wind the flies were a real nuisance.

The track continued below the south side of Craigarth before heading almost to its summit. This was followed by a gradual descent to a swath of ground where electric cables had been buried. Hopefully in a few years it won’t be so noticeable. A lockfast wooden hut was passed as height was regained and a roe deer stood and watched me then ran off.

Hill of Fare consists of a number of tops but the highest point was at 471 metres, just off a bend in the track. To reach this point, which was marked by a boulder and a couple of stones, involved wading through some long heather. I did make a search of the area before I was satisfied that I had reached the highest point. The flies were still a nuisance and I returned by the ascent route.

Photos taken on walk.