Sunrise and sheep in the Pentlands

I had a rubbish week at work. It felt like everything was falling apart.  I am pretty tired after Christmas to be honest and at the back of my mind all the time are thoughts of my Dad and what we need to do for him.  Work was really tough though long hours and messy problems.  It wasn't helped to be stuck in on Friday which was a stunning day.  At my desk I look West along Waverley Valley and the sunset on Friday was amazing.

I wanted or needed to get out on Saturday.  I needed space and green and exercise in the hills.  So we headed for the Ochils.  Big enough for a challenge, close enough to minimise the drive.  Unfortunately the weather had changed.  By the time we were at Tillicoutry where we would park to head up Ben Cleuch, the cloud that we'd been watching as we drove over was low and it was drizzling.  I was really disappointed that after the Friday and the weatherman's promise of a nice day, it was so rotten.  My heart was not in a damp trudge in mist so we headed north, through Stirling to Callender hoping that the weather would lift and we would get views in the Trossachs or further on.  It didn't.  I was feeling more and more knackered and we gave up.  We drove as far as Crainlarich and then back to Callendar for soup in a cafe.

This morning I woke early, thinking about work and feeling rubbish.  But I could see a clear sky, so I was up and out and I am so glad that I did.  Instead of the usual circuit above Hillend I went further on to park just before Silverburn.

It was beautiful.  Quiet and calm but still cold - it was minus 1.5 on the car thermometer.  I crossed the road and went through the gate onto the old Kirk Road.  Normally this is a muddy mess and it was today too, but it was still well frozen so I got across keeping dry.

Looking behind me the sky was getting exciting!

Then it was the walk up to the gate and higher to the bealach between Scald Law and Carnethy.  It was nice to be here.  My and my thoughts.  Work a long way away for now.

Behind me East Lothian was golden.  The sun was on its way.

I turned left and started the climb up Scald Law.  It felt easy, the earth below me crucnchy with frost.  Looking to me left I saw the sun start to peek above the horizon, slowly at first and then quickly it emerged.

It was just me and the sheep witnessing the magic. The colours were stunning - reds and yellows, all gold and magical.

Perspective again.  This is always here.  Whatever else is going on there are escapes even for just a snatched hour on a Sunday morning.

I soon got the the summit.  The trig here always comes as a surprise as you emerge on the flat summit.

Again I had the views to myself and soaked myself in them and their refreshment.  Off to the Borders Culter Fell and the hills there were impressive.  Below me around West Linton the fields were covered in morning mist.  Crisp and cold.

It was something I needed.

Eventually I turned back.  I didn't want to return to the car yet though and at the bealach continued on up Carnethy.  At the top there is that sprawling wind break summit shelter.  A guy came towards me and I said hello but he ignored me....which annoyed me but whatever.

Then it was back down one of the ridges of Carnethy to get back to the Kirk Road and the car.

Glorious.  I am so grateful to have this on my doorstep. 

A great walk.  Domestic stuff this afternoon - washing and ironing. Then work tomorrow.

I've been glad to get the book finished and up for sale too.  A fair bit of interest so far, which is good.  If you want to find out more check out  Hillfit.com