Hello again – hope you managed to get outside this past weekend in the stunning sunshine  Saturday… or the slightly soggy Sunday.

 

A trip with the lovely Mitzie was due this weekend – so we took to the Pentlands on Sunday! This time from the Bonaly side – walking all the way through to Flotterstone (mentioned in previous blog post).

We set off on the number 10 bus headed towards Bonaly – around 20 mins max – hopping off at the West Mill stop – then head up Bonaly Road (once you hop of the bus take a brief left then an almost immediate right and then straight ahead. You will pass The Bonaly Store on the left hand side after about 5 mins – ideal for any last minute snacks  / drinks you may need 🙂

Mitzie behaving like an angel on the bus

 

You cross over the bypass, then just keep following the road round – you will pass a huuuge castle-like house on the left – you can catch a glimpse through the trees. Even a wall with some antlers in it! As you follow the road you will pass the Bobcat Alpacas!! I couldn’t get close as you can’t take dogs anywhere near – but from seeing them before I can recommend walking along to say hello – have you ever seen an Alpacas foot? Take a look!  They do lead walks in the Pentlands (think there is also a Groupon offer flying about quite frequently for it ) That would make a fun day out!! You can see them in the distance below ..

Side note – this would make an amazing team building activity 🙂

 

Check out their website –            http://bobcat-alpacas.co.uk/              Looks like it would be so much fun!

 

 

 

ONWARD!

It appeared there was an Orienteering competition on, as there were plenty of people darting about with maps  and hopping over fences … Mitzie liked to get in their way!

For the route I was headed – you just keep going straight. There are paths to the left and right once you get past the car park – but on this day I trod straight on 🙂

 

 

You will then reach the top of the woody hill – Mitzie and I were a wee bit out of puff! I headed along the Glencorse way – so just straight on through the gate. Other options there too of course 🙂

The signage! Straight ahead to Glencorse.

 

 

This is on the left hand side – but to carry on to reservoir, stick on the path and go through the metal gate. Will wander down that way another time – looks beautiful!

 

 

 

Coming up the hill through the heather when in the summer the colour is amazing!! We veered off to the right to get to the reservoir for a snack stop and a jump in the water … for Mitzie.

 

As soon as she saw the water she was in!

This went on for a while until Mitzie’s face looked like “Ana if you throw that ball into the reservoir one more time I swear..”

 

 

 

 

We then had a moment to gobble our  sandwiches / treats .. then the rain began. BUT I had waterproofs so I laughed at the rain!

 

 

 

 

 

We carried on along the sloped side of the reservoir – parallel to the main path and had a wee explore of the woods on the right hand side. Definitely some camping been going on – a nice spot overlooking the reservoir.

 

 

We then arrived at another gate, where we took the right turn to head toward Glencorse. You can also go straight up for a cheeky wee hill walk – with a lovely view! When at the top you can also head down to the Flotterstone side  (which is where my route ends up anyway). So once at the top of the hill you’d just head towards the visible reservoir 🙂

 

All you have to do then is walk and enjoy the views 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Even had time for a wee timer photo shoot with my girl!

 

Take note

Maybe next time I’ll walk over to the small peak in the distance!  (Anyone know it’s name?)

 

 

We carried on down the hill until we arrived at another gate. Mitzie getting a bit soggy by now …

 

 

 

      So I had come down from the Bonaly path (shown on signpost)  – went through the gate and turned left back along the reservoir (not towards Loganlea).

 

 

Once through the gate we made our way past the Glencorse reservoir, where there were plenty of people fishing. Even in the rain! Has anyone fished out there? I don’t know if I’d have the patience ….haha.

Mitzie was starting to get a bit grumpy – with both of us fixated on the idea of the cosy Flotterstone Inn at the end of the walk! We walked on. You can either walk along the tarmac road which is a quicker route – straight to the car park and Inn. Or, as we did – take a right at the end of the long stone wall and follow the path through the woodland and past the river. Nice and scenic! 🙂 You can also hear the thundering waterfall on the right hand side which is worth a visit. Just follow the sound!

After passing the sheep and cows you will end up back at the car park. There is a small cafe there (although best to check opening times before you go as it was shut when I turned up) ….. as was THE FLOTTERSTONE INN! The look on the faces of Mitzie and myself must have been hilarious. I could see the sadness in her eyes! Due to a power cut the Inn was closed. Absolutely GUTTED.

We were not the only ones. We met a lovely young couple in the same boat – both trying to get back to Edinburgh.

A lesson is to be learned here – Always. Check. Your. Travel. Home.  Unfortunately, being a Sunday, there was only 1 bus – and it came only 4 times on a Sunday… we were caught out. Mitzie’s face was glum.

Luckily, the couple had a plan. To hop on one of these rare Stagecoach buses in the opposite direction (the soonest available bus) to Penicuik and then hop on one of the Lothian buses from there back into town.

We managed to flag down the bus – who’s driver made us aware he shouldn’t really stop there. I think he could see our desperation so kindly stopped haha! A brief bus journey and we got to Penicuik, followed by a swift bus back into Edinburgh.

Parting ways with our travel friends – we made it!!!! Mitzie was not too pleased with all these buses BUT happy to be home and cosy.

I then needed some cake and a coffee, so I went to Piece Box (Polwarth area) which does some very yum cakes! – lots of gluten free / allergy options too! If heading there around lunch time I recommend booking if you can as it’s a busy wee spot – and rightly so 🙂

https://www.piecebox.co.uk/

 

Received a text from Mitzie’s owners the next day telling me about how she was completely done from when she arrived home until the next day. As was I!

Even in bit of rain I am so happy I ventured out again. So lucky to have the Pentlands a bus trip / car share or even cycle away! Has anyone been up in the Pentlands on bike before? I saw quite a few people up there on their mountain bikes.

 

As knackered as I was I felt all the better for taking some time for myself and breathing in the fresh air. Made me feel like I’d had a proper chunk of a weekend 🙂 Fingers crossed Flotterstone Inn is open next time.

 

Planning a big cycle from Edinburgh to Glencoe within the month of October – so will keep you updated on how that goes … and the steep inclines …

 

Long may the adventures of Ana and Mitzie continue!

 

Til next time,

 

Ana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sep 26, 2019

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