Winter Sunrise in the Pentlands

Yesterday was spent in town, allegedly for a bit of shopping but I didn't do much.    I made sure I got to bed fairly early though because I wanted to be out this morning.  It was certainly worth it!  When I got up it was still just about dark but looking out of the window I caught sight of a clear sky, stars still twinkling out there.

I got dressed quickly and out the door.  The car thermometer showed it was just above freezing as I climbed up to Fairmilehead and then turned up an icy road to Hillend, jumped out and started up the hill.  It was dawn twilight, a moon still sitting bright above the hills.  Cold too until the climb warmed me up.

The moon was still bright above the hills and as I climbed higher I encountered more and more snow.  Over my left shoulder to the east the sky was starting to crackle with gold.  This was going to be special, the mix of snow and sunrise had me almost aroused as I went higher, anticipating what I would soon see.

It was wonderful snow underfoot - crisp but not sloppy - and I soon got up the the ridge.  A runner went past me.  I said hello and went back to taking photos of the sunrise, captivating now as the warn rays turned the snow orange. 

Stunned by what I was watching I even took a video...forgive my repetitive drivel but I was loving the scene.



Then I continued along the ridge.  Today in these conditions it would be all the way to Allermuir.  I would stay out here as long as I could soaking in these views.  The crescent moon above all this snow was wonderful.

Over Caerketton and then through Windy Gap before climbing up to Allermuir.  At the trig point I stopped for a while rattling through more photos.  The pictures never do justice to the hills but I kept trying to capture what I was seeing  -  the clean fresh snow, warm golden sun. 

 


Over the the north the Ochils then the bigger hills of Perthshire, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin distinctive shapes on the horizon.




A nice final pull up to the top.

On the way up I was passed again by a guy running, with kit that had orientering club writing on it.  We greeted each other and agree that the day was glorious.

The viewpoint plaque was crusty with frost.

The main ridge of the Pentlands - Turnhouse, Carnethy, Scald Law were all white with snow.  Smooth and perfect with a moon above.

The barbed wire fence was also frosted, beautiful patterns of crystal hanging from it. 

Eventually I turned and wanting to keep my height and the views i stayed on the ridge as I retraced my steps along the tops and then down in snow that let me bound, leaping through softness and heather.  Wonderful.  ALL THE PHOTOS ARE HERE

With La Maroma and Blaven one of my best days this year.

Probably my last trip in these hills this year.  Christmas is coming which will be tough this year with my Dad in hospital and his mind who knows where.