Allermuir

That was yesterday on Ben A'an

Last weekend I had not had my usual weekly walk in the Pentlands.  I was down visiting my parents.  My Dad is now in the hospital in a ward specialising in dementia care.  It is hard to see him there and my mum just wants him home but it is probably the best place for him to be at the moment.  It will make Christmas a bit strange. 

It is a horrible disease but perhaps he is suffering less than we are.  He is amid his own world, his own realities and our worries and concerns are not featured in them.  I hope he is relatively happy in his worlds.

This morning I was awake and feeling pretty fresh, keen to get up and play in the snow on the Pentlands.  Yesterday's hills were clear in my mind and I was looking forward to similar fun in the local hills.  All the snow had melted though!  I saw it was all gone as got to Fairmilehead then up to park at Hillend.  Never mind.

I wandered up the hill at an easy pace.  Behind me the streetlights were still on across Edinburgh.

streetlights still on in Edinburgh

To the east it was gloomy and dark - no spectacular sunrises today.  It was warmer too, while it was windy it was not unpleasant on the tops.  The usual guy was walking towards me at the usual spot and he said hello.  I like the routine.



I walked the usual route, passing familiar personal landmarks, cairns and fences.  I know these hills well and I enjoy that closeness.

Allermuir looking down to Glencorse Reservoir

I went right along the tops all the way to Allermuir, with its views down to the reservoir.  I enjoyed being up there.  It felt easy today and as ever I was grateful for the time and space at the start of the week to think things through.

What will the next week bring?

I was back in trail shoes today by the way.  Yesterday in the snow I had worn boots for the first time in ages and I had forgotten how uncomfortable they are, how they make me so much less agile.  It was good to be back in something light and bendy