As the nettle-rash of the previous week subsided, a group of Michael’s irregulars gathered in the light rain outside KB. A curtain of grey cloud hung low over Arthur’s less than ergonomic seat, so Michael proposed a low level route to visit Drum house. It proved attractive enough for everyone there to set off as one group.
With the semi-obligatory Braefoot-Terrace- into-Liberton-Football-pitches wall dealt with, we circumnavigated Craigmillar castle, before venturing into the nether regions of the Royal Infirmary.?? Finding only jags from thorns, the group briefly pounded Sustrans finest tramac then opted for the mud once more in the direction of Drum house. After a couple more wall & nettle detours we had a quick game of “which way’s north?”. Getting it within about 90 degrees (generous), we turned right into some woods, and were soon rewarded with a view of Drum House & its gardens. Faced with a barbed-wire topped gate, Michael took the un-Carnethy like approach of opening it with the handle.
Following a tour through a freshly planted housing estate, we headed up a rise to pass the “other drum” (big and very drum-like) and stopped briefly for a pic-without-the-nic at the famed “Burial ground of an unknown high heidun”.?? Word has it this is known locally as “this is where your garden topsoil went”. Eschewing the easy radial road route home, we finally wound our way along Moredun & Liberton’s hidden footpaths to Margiotti’s and a right hand turn back to KB.?? Best pace 8.50; avg a smidgen under 11.
Thanks to Michael for another fine mid-week adventure.
Pete Cain