Two sunny walks...in March!

What a week...the hottest March on record in Scotland. Whilst the week days have been spent inside working hard, last weekend I finally got out walking. Now, I'm not too comfortable walking (or doing anything) in heat but it was just too lovely to miss out. I know 17/18 degrees is not that hot but even a hot shower makes me panic. Also, if I can sweat so much when it's minus 5 and snowy, then what is the sunshine going to do to me?

But I was really excited to have the opportunity to get out and about. On Saturday I headed to Peebles and met mum and dad for a walk through the 'gypsy glen' towards the Yarrow Valley and Kirkhope Law.

The trees were lovely at the start, and the forest got denser as we walked on. We then started climbing uphill and things got sweatier. But it was short, sharp pain and uncomfort; soon forgotten when we cleared the trees and got the views:

It was simply stunning. There were ripples in the hills ahead of us, and it looked much like a painting...the haze, the shapes. Wonderful. We stopped for a short lunch break, and took in the views.

We then shimmied down one of the ripples we'd been aiming for earlier. There was barely any noise, no people, no wind, just peace and silence. At the bottom of the hill, we could see the path on the other side of a river. It didn't look like a particularly wide river but a hop, skip and a jump was required to get over. Or, alternatively, find a handy branch...

A great walk, around 7 miles, celebrated by cakes and scones back at Granny's at the end. Braw.

Sunday continued in the same vein - gorgeous weather and the need for another walk. So myself and Dave headed out from our flat, and walked up the canal to the Water of Leith visitor centre. 

We then joined the Water of Leith at Slateford and followed it all the way to Balerno. I just love walking along the Water of Leith; to be honest we usually go from Roseburn to Leith, and then get the bus back up (after food at Teuchters Landing - yum!). I enjoy Roseburn, the Dean Village, and Stockbridge, but then there are some dodgy bits too. The first time me and Dave walked it together, we saw drugs being consumed nearby, which was slightly unsettling...

I was wary of changing my 'routine' initially, but Dave's suggestion to go up towards Balerno was a good 'un. We saw lots of lovely places on the way, beautiful flowers, lots of people enjoying the sunshine. We saw the Territorial Army out running carrying their guns. We strolled happily through the gorgeous village of Colinton - getting slightly lost until a handsome Irish chap helped us out. We saw so many dogs, and chatted to a number of people. It was a lovely day, and a lovely walk.

So no Munros still, but the first walks of the 'season' and it was good to warm my feet back up again. Urging to get back out there...