North Berwick Law Quarry

With the kids finished their block for climbing this session, we had a free Tuesday session for some staff climbing. Richard T had suggested that we head to North Berwick and check out North Berwick Law Quarry, as apparently there was some sport climbs there. I had been up and around Berwick Law a handful of times in the past but couldn't recall anyone climbing or seeing any bolts. However, after some brief online research, I had found us a topo of North Berwick Law Quarry.

We left sharply at the end of school and after negotiating the Edinburgh Bypass traffic and blasting down the A1, we were at "The Law" carpark and gearing up. The approach was less than 10 minutes; go over the style at the carpark and head right along the path that goes around the base of the hill until the quarry comes into view on your left. As this was only my second climbing trip in the great outdoors, I was pretty excited to check out the routes. However, I was a little intimidated and I thought some of them looked quite tricky! After a bit of a chat, Richard T decided to get on something easy(ish), so he lead Wild Iris 5+** and I gladly belayed and then followed on a bottom rope to strip the route after him. It was more tricky than I had planned for and I have to say that I struggled a little to find the holds - this was most probably just down to my lack of experience. Not impressed by my first attempt, I got back on it and this time made fast work of it. The rock wall is quite blank and has had the holds chipped out to give the routes - not much visable traffic for a while made them quite tricky to find.

Richard G bottom roping Darkness Falling F6a+, North Berwick Law Quarry

Richard G had now joined us and was keen to get on a route, but with none of us climbing particularly hard recently, there wasn't many easy options as we gazed at the topo. We had a look at Darkness Falling 6a+* and the description said, "Tricky first clip"... and it really wasn't kidding! The first bolt was high above the ledge that appeared to be gained by a rather tricky move in the corner - certainly the crux. As we didn't have a clip stick, and none of us fancied risking an injury, we decided just to top rope it; this seemed the sensible option. Richard T headed up Wild Iris again and swung accross the top to put the rope through the lower off above Darkness Falling. We all felt more compfortable with this approach and we all had great fun on it, but I wouldn't fancy leading it without a clip stick!

Richard T bottom roping Darkness Falling F6a+, North Berwick Law Quarry

The Richards then had a play around on a few of the harder routes but they both soon discovered that they were quite nippy! A great evening of climbing and great company too. I was really impressed by The Law as a climbing venue and I fancied coming back to try a few leads when I had gained more confidence and experience; a venue that I would recommend.

Pentlands Mountain Biking - Reservoir Cogs

After purchasing a new mountain bike, visiting Glentress a few times and being part of the GWC Cycling Project 2009, I had spent quite a bit of time in the saddle over the past few months. While I really enjoyed touring the northwest of Scotland, I didn't think that road cycling was my thing; I was finding mountain biking far more enjoyable. I had spoken to a few folk about good places to mountain bike around Edinburgh and more often than not, the Pentlands were mentioned. After a bit of online research, I quickly came across the excellent Bike Fax guidebook: Southern Scotland & the 7stanes. Armed with the guide, I set out last weekend to explore the Reservoir Cogs route. It really was great fun and I blasted round it in no time at all.
Later that week, Emily was keen to get out on the bikes and after hearing me going on and on about the route at the weekend, fancied giving it a go. We headed up to the car park at Rangers Centre at Flotterstone straight after work to get the most out of the remaining light. We geared up quickly and were soon heading along up the tarmac road past Glen Cottage and along the north shore of Glencorse Reservoir. We passed over Kirk Bridge and went through the gate on our right and headed up the dusty, rocky track. Just before the end of the forest on our left, the track forked and we headed to the right, straight up the steep grassy slope. This was a tough hill to climb on the bike without getting off and I was glad of the breather at the top of the steep section. We followed the single track around the hill and over Knightfield Rig. Passed between Harbour Hill and Phantom's Cleugh and then joined the enjoyable track that followed the woods above Bonaly Reservoir and went throught the gate on the left just after the break in the trees.

Scald Law ridge from Knightfield Rig, Pentland Hills

It was a lovely evening and there was still plenty of light left in the sky. The tracks were in great condition; very dry as we hadn't had any recent rain. We pushed on down the hill on the wide rocky track, as if riding towards Edinburgh in the distance. We picked up plenty of speed heading down towards Bonaly and took some evasive action to avoid the many dog walkers! Just before the large gate, we took a sharp left to follow the single track into the woods; taking great care on the many exposed tree roots, then down the rough path to the bottom of Torduff Reservoir. Then a steep zig zag back up the road towards Clubbiedean Reservoir. There were plenty of folk out enjoying the summer evening and we hit the crowds as we headed down across the fields to Harlaw. After negotiating the large wall, we stopped for a snack on the north side of Theipmuir Reservoir.

Emily tackling the first steep section at Knightfield Rig

After a short break, we pushed on along the single track through Redford Woods; appearing back on the road leading up to Bavelaw Castle. The steep road up to the Castle was lung-busting to say the least, but it was the last climb of the day - great news! After pausing to catch our breath and to take in the historical building, we set off over the grassy fields and joined the sweeping single track running nicely down to The Howe. This is a great descent and you can really get some speed and let the bends flow - just watch out for anyone coming up the other way!

Glencourse Reservoir from Knightfield Rig

After a great run down to The Howe at the top of Loganlea Reservoir, all that remained was a gentle cycle along the minor road to The Flotterstone Inn for a well deserved steak and chips.