WALK
This circular route dissects the Pentland Hills from north to south, starting in Balerno at the Threipmuir Reservoir car park, heading as far as the hamlet of Nine Mile Burn on the A702 road, before returning via the North Esk Reservoir. The walk is relatively easy going as it does not scale any of the Pentland peaks, however the ground underfoot can become very boggy in places so you need decent walking shoes. The walk follows wellestablished Pentland paths farily well waymarked. I would always recommend taking an Ordnance Survey map in case you find yourself off the beaten track. DISTANCE: 11.5 Miles DURATION: 5 - 6 Hours DIFFICULTY: 2 - Mild hill climbs/Boggy underfoot
STAGE 1: THREIPMUIR CAR PARK TO WEST KIP - 2.60 MILES
At the Threipmuir car park entrance there is a ‘Scottish Rights of Way Society’ signpost for Nine Mile Burn (4 miles). Follow the tarmac road, cross the bridge over the narrow part of the reservoir and head straight up the hill.
At the top of the hill, the road reaches a T-junction. Turn right and continue for approximately 50 metres until you see another signpost for Nine Mile Burn. Turn left and continue through the gate. The path soon leaves the treeline onto the open hillside. Before long, the grassy hillside is left behind, making way for more rugged terrain – the well-worn path snaking through the purple heather, skipping over small burns and rivers. The path climbs gradually into the heart of the Pentland’s, eventually reaching the base of the West Kip (551m), where a distinctive path to the summit appears like a scar on the hill *. At this point, a further signpost points the way to Nine Mile Burn.
* Although this walk does not climb any of the surrounding peaks, there are many alternative paths in the area which lead across the highest points. 36 | THE DELL
STAGE 2: WEST KIP TO NINE MILE BURN 1.80 MILES
From the signpost, cross the fence and follow the path in a westerly direction. There are two or three paths at this junction so be careful to follow as directed by the signpost. After an initial, gradual climb to the brow of the Cap Law hill, Nine Mile Burn comes into view. The path follows the contours down off the hill towards farmland. Please be aware of any sheep and cows grazing in the surrounding fields. Another signpost will direct you over a stile towards Nine Mile Burn, which is now only a short distance away. The faint path follows the wall on the east side of the field and eventually turns right where a gate takes you into the village itself. Continue west along the road until you reach a signpost for North Esk Reservoir and Spittal Farm.
STAGE 3: NINE MILE BURN TO NORTH ESK RESERVOIR - 1.70 MILES
This stage has the steepest climb (140m) of the walk, where the path follows a well-established farm track to its highest point, dissecting Patties Hill (470m) and Spittal Hill (526m). At the highest point, leave the main track to the left onto a smaller path. Continue down the hill along the path and to North Esk Reservoir. At first glance, it seems nothing more than a big pond, until eventually the larger expanse of water appears from the other side of Spittal Hill. On reaching the water, the path @KonectMagazines
