Carlops to North Esk, Thursday 17th February 2016, leader John Hart

Thursday was a nice day for a short wintery hill walk. Seven members eslked from Carlops to North Esk reservoir, nestling in the Pentland Hills. The snow on the ground made for some stunning views. It was not too treacherous underfoot so a circular route was completed by climbing up the track from the reservoir to the saddle between Paties Hill and Spittal Hill then down onto the old Roman road back to Carlops and a light lunch in the Allan Ramsay Hotel.

Gowkley Moss-Roslin, February 14th 2016, leader Lesley Glidden

Despite a frosty but bright start the Biggar Ramblers had a good turn out of eighteen. The walk started st Gowley Moss Roundabput near penicuik. The route crossed a wild life conservation area on the site of the old Moat Pitt, then skirted around Roslin to join the Roslin-Loanhead cycle pathe. This was followed to the old railway viaduct which passed high over Roslin Glen. Here the route returned along the steeo north side of Roslin Glen and through the woods on the left bank of Kill Burn. Shortly into the walk the group encountered a game keeper and his assistany. She was carrying a beautiful Harris Hawk. He had two ferrets, and gave an interesting explanation of the rabbiting techniques. A stop was taken at the site of the Battle of Roslin, where in 1303 a tactical William Wallace defeated a much larger English army. At intervals along the way as it was St. Valentines day, Lesley read out carefully chosen love stories, and gave valentines to the lucky recipients! The Moor foot & Pentland Hills looked magnificent covered in snow. Afterwards, a well earned lunch was enjoyed at Cibo Italian Restaurant.

Glasgow, February 3rd 2016, leader Jo Cox

On one of the fine days from the many wet ones, 8 ladies took the bus from Lanark to Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow. The park was explored, and many of the fine statues visited. These included the Cameronian War Memorial, a very moving monument with three figures, one with a machine gun, one running very purposefully, and the third sadly dead. Lord Roberts sat on a horse, at the highest point of the park; he was best known for his role in the Indian mutiny. Lord Lister, the greatest physician of all times also a pioneer with connections to Glasgow. The Stewart Memorial, a water fountian in memory of Sir James Stewart, who was instumentl in bringing fresh water to Glasgow from Loch Katrine, 40 miles away. That monument is topped with a statue of the Lady of the Lake, by Sir Walter Scott. There are many fine carvings on that foutain. Lunch was taken in the museum whilst listening to the daily organ recital. The group then walked along the Kelvin Way to the Botanic Gardens, alongside the River Kelvin. The path is popular with walkers and cyclists. The structure of the trees was observed, just before the buds on the trees came into leaf.