Carnethy Hill & Turnhouse Hill
Pentland Hills, Edinburgh
| Start Point: |
Flotterstone
Information Centre |
| Grid Reference: |
OS
Landranger 66 (Edinburgh inc Penicuik & N Berwick) -
GR 233 632. |
| Time: |
2
½ - 3 ½ hours |
| Distance: |
13
½ km (8 miles) |
| Height Climbed: |
470 metres |
| View Location: |
click
for scalable map |
| Buy OS Map: |
Buy
Map at MapsWorldWide |
Grade: Medium to Difficult. The first half of the walk
is very easy, along roads and tracks, but it is a steep ascent
to Carnethy Hill. |
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| Best time to visit: All year
round, although please pay attention to The Pentland Cycle of
Wildlife and Farming notices, particularly during lambing season
(April to May) and Grouse shooting season (Mid August until Mid
September) |
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Introduction
I have considered running in the Carnethy Hill Race several
times now, but was never quite sure what these hills would be
like to run....or that's what I told myself....maybe I was just
finding an excuse! So one cold winters day I decided to climb
these hills to see whether I was up to the challenge of the
race.
The hills form part of the southern edge of the Pentlands, providing
views south across Penicuik to the Lammermuir and Moorfoot Hills,
and can be climbed either individually, together or in conjuction
other hills such as Scald Law, West Kip and East Kip. Either way
these hills provide an excellent afternoon walk whether it is
the middle of winter or one of our "summer" days (if
there is a difference....). |
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Route
- Start
at Flotterstone Information Centre . Turn left off the A702
at Flotterstone, passing Flotterstone Inn and continuing 200
yards to the public car park next to the Rangers/Information
Centre
- After parking the car in the car park, walk up the road
for 1 ½ km until just beyond Glen Cottage when the
first view of Glencorse Reservoir is obtained.
- Follow the road around the reservoir for another 1 ½
km, passing a house on the right. From the end of the reservoir,
continue along the road parallel to Logan Burn and after approx
1km the road begins to climb towards Loganlea Reservoir
- The road now begins to turn into a track and at the head
of the reservoir, take the path that skirts behind the house,
which sits next to Logan Burn (GR 190 621)
- This is where the proper walking begins, as the path begins
to climb steadily up the hillside towards the col between
Carnethy Hill and Scald Law (GR 195 615)
 |
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| Carnethy Hill from Scald Law |
Turnhouse Hill |
- Upon reaching the col, walkers should follow the path that
veers east and heads up the broad ridge towards the summit
of Carnethy Hill (GR 204 619). Some walkers may wish to climb
the summit of Scald Law, which involves ascending the path
to the west of the col and retracing your steps upon reaching
the summit.
- From the summit of Carnethy Hill, continue east on the ridge
path towards Turnhouse Hill (GR 213 627).
- From the summit of Turnhouse Hill, the descent is relatively
straight forward, but also slightly demanding on the knees.
Aim for the patch of forest on the brow of the hillside, and
then follow the path to the burn (GR 228 631)
- After crossing the burn a signpost points walkers in the
direction of the surfaced road, which should be followed for
approximately ½ km to the car park (GR 233 632).
Alternative route: These hills can be climbed by including
Scald Law, West Kip and East Kip in the walk. Walkers can either
start from the car park near Threipmuir Reservoir (GR 167 639)
or Nine Mile Burn on the A702 (GR 177 577).
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