East Lothian TuMPS, Pencraig Hill, Barney Hill, Skid Hill, Gullane Hill

28 September 2018

 

Participants: Neil and Ben

Where: Pencraig Hill, 109m/358', P 46m, TuMP, OS 67, NT 572 766; Barney Hill, 181m/594', P 33, TuMP, OS 66, NT 514 760; Skid Hill, 186m/610', P 98, OS 66, NT 507 764; Gullane Hill, 69m/226', P42, TuMP, OS 66, NT 475 827

 

An early autumn trip to East Lothian is always worthwhile, the weather tends to be better than in the west and the views can be spectacular. I had worked out a route that would take in a few non-strenuous TuMPS plus a visit to the beach so that Ben could have a run about. First stop was a few miles west of East Linton at a lay-by at the foot of an old quarry and a wooded area- Pencraig Hill. There was a woodland walk which was a bit overgrown but it didn't matter as the highest point was only a few minutes from the car, it's here somewhere.....

 

 

 

There was also a viewpoint looking north to the Firth of Forth, North Berwick Law and the Bass Rock, in fact the only place on the hill where you really got a view of anything. The colours of the fields were nice.....

 

Back to the car and it was only a short journey to the next two hills, Barney Hill and Skid Hill which the map said were part of the Garleston Hills. The road over to Aberlady took most of the work out of them and I parked just past the high point for Barney Hill. There were cows in the field for this one but they stayed well out of the way. The highest point appeared to be just to the east of one of the ariels and again there was a fine view of the Firth. The view south, to the Moorfoot hills was good also but I was looking directly into the sun so no photographs. 

 

 

 

There was a fine view of my next objective, Skid Hill from here, along with Byres Hill and the Hope Monument which we visited last year.....

 

 

I shifted the car to a parking area at the foot of Skid Hill, which was really only half a hill, as a quarry had removed a lot of it. The quarry was no longer being worked. This was a steep one and there was a narrow bit at the top of a small gully which led to a flat summit area and a trig. Fine views though.

 

 

The final hill of the day was at Gullane. I parked at the pay and display car park at the beach and walked up the hill past some very grand and no doubt expensive houses. The hill had a topograph and a seat and was right on the edge of the golf course, which was busy.....

 

 

We sat here for a bit before making our way down to the beach for a walk along the sands. There are some magnificent beaches on this stretch of coastline and at this time of year there was hardly anyone about.

 

A relaxing day out.