The last night-run needed a plan so I pulled a vague idea together. Utilise the attractive low beer prices and the proximity to the hills, and a recent refurbishment of Hunters Tryst, and we had a start and finish. The middle bit was vague and made up a bit as we went. I rang the pub twice to book and tell them our plans and turned up at 1800 to remind them.
15 folk and 2 dogs turned up at 1830 and ordered food in advance for an 2000 return, beers and feast. Our route took in Squirrel and Covanenters Woods pointing out the trenches by the barracks. White Hill was climbed by the Barkley variation direct (in honour of Jasmin) or by the Jesse route further right. We headed up Capelaw to the gate but missed out the top although late arriving Pete Cain did a solo visit after we turned left.
New members were introduced to ‘bondoo bashing’ or Barkley bashing (so they thought) through heather and dead bracken on a direct line to Green Craig, then to Shearie Knowe and another straight line to Swanston across the Golf Course. A lovely night running in warm winds and clear views.
Arriving bang on time at 1955, the pub hospitality however was less warm. They had run out of gas, so no beer or soft drinks. Wine and Guinness survived so we would cope. Our reserved tables had been given away so we found new seating. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. First the waiter came to tell us that some veggie/vegan meals were unavailable, then Pete Cain’s steak pie was off, finally fish and chips arrived last at 2115. Then no custard… and paying was very slow.
So much for planning… I wrote a complaint to be told they were busy that night. Ho hum.
Mark Hartree