First Wednesday Training run after the clocks changed and the lighter night did not disappoint!
Setting off up Poets Glen and new farm tracks parallel to Ranger Rd, the route to Bells Hill approaching from its most appealing NE flank resulted in (well planned) spectacular views of the setting sun. Snow was promised and delivered. The flurry arrived with perfect timing to make the Black Springs approach atmospheric.
A memorable story of an encounter with an Owl from Peter on the track peppered with a few sweet spots / stops was a extra treat.
With momentum building we descended on muddy trods through fields and woodland to the Lymphod estate road. A favoured section, even though I fell in the mud 🤪
The 4 dogs were all great company. Bowels emptied, bonds build, Barra bullied, barking and bonkers!! I dog sit Roxy any day…
Craig Addison
Craig organised a great run up Bell’s Hill, through any number of bits of woodland on the way there and back. Eight runners were added to by four dogs of various breeds and dispositions. From the eminently sensible to slightly barking, after a short delay due to Edinburgh council spending the remainder of their road budget in a frenzy of activity, we all set off in good spirts from Currie Kirk. The site of which has been a church since 1296, don’t you know. Being a bit before even my time, I can’t vouch for the accuracy of that statement.
The run included variation in terrain, scenery and weather conditions. It got quite wintery halfway round, with a burst of snow/hail. Mark said he liked that bit. Your scribe’s fav was the springing downhill bit from Bell’s Hill.
With the clock change last weekend, this was the first run in end to end daylight. It meant we got some great views of ground and sky.
*Post Run Pub Visit
For the third time in as many weeks, the run finished within a short walk of a pub. The Riccarton Inn hadn’t run out of gas and has friendly & helpful staff. Mike and Mark were able to get some cracking chips without leaving the building.
It seems likely we shall make use of this starting location again before long. Thanks again to Craig for an enjoyable run.
Pete Cain