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Thinking of going for a wee pentlands pootle this evening, and was looking to stretch it out abit rather than go round the usual loop. With this in mind I'm thinking of venturing up Black hill for the first time, as well as across the kips bypass.
Anyone know if the conditions are ok up there at the moment (i know they're to be avoided when its muddy), and likewise how easy is it to spot the path up to blackhill. I've been past it many a time, but from what I can see the road just leads to a farm house. How far up their driveway is the turnoff?
thanks
It was amazing dusty dry last week, bit of rain today but don't think it'll be muddy. Some trails have more or less permanent bog sections though.
I'm not sure if it is worth going up Black Hill, there is a 4x4 trail to the top which i've never done and a couple of vague singletracks, but most people probably ride the descent along the base of the hill from west to east finishing at Black Springs at Threipmuir reservoir, it's a Pentlands highlight for me anyway. The trail does continue all the way round to the tarmac road, which is also good when dry but boggy when wet. A good look at the map/aerial will show you where that goes.
can I climb up dens cleugh then descend down to blacksprings?
I was around those areas (for the first ever time!) Sunday and it was all dry and dusty. There's been spots of rain since then but it will all be dry
To climb Black Hill, go further up the Glen a wee bit, then through a gate, up the field margin and through between two sections of woods (obvious on an OS map). That will get you on to the big 4x4 track.FWIW, it's a nice view but there is no rewarding descent.
Dens Cleugh to Black Springs goes but is better the other way around as gravity will help you descend the wee bit with the steep drop-off linrlto Black Springs with less fear of catching a pedal.
Conditions are superb. The wee bit if rain we've had has increased grip.