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.