Culture Fell stands at 2,454 feet and next to it is Chapelgill Hill at 2,283 feet. These hills were the objective of Biggar Ramblers on 26 October. Normally Culter Fell is climbed from the west side starting at the Culter Allers Farm but on this occasion with both hills on the walk the start was in Glenholm near Broughton. The group led by Brian Henry consisted of 6 walkers.
Starting at Glenkirk the walk was along the floor of the valley until the cottage at Holms Waterhead. Then to the rear of the cottage Holms Water was crossed and the ascent of Leishfoot Hill was started. The route on the hill was alongside the fence which will be a track through a new forest plantation inside a deer fence where Douglas Firs and native broadleaves trees will be planted. Further up Leishfoot the group left the area to be forested and began the ascent proper of Culter fell. At the summit the views extended to the Pentlands, the Moffat hills and the high rise flats at Motherwell. However the wind chill kicked in and making time for a photograph of the group moved northwards towards Kings Bank en-route to Chapelgill Head. Once out of the wind a lunch break was welcomed. Then it was over Kings Bank Head and a turn eastwards towards the summit go Chapelgill Hill. From that high position the complete walk so far undertaken could be seen from the start, up Leishfoot and over Culter Fell.
Then it was downhill all the way, all 1,300 feet to the start although a heavy rain shower marred the descent but not the spirit of the walkers who appreciated another good day on the hill.
Thursday, 17th Octobers - on a cold and bright morning 9 walkers set out from Cramond Village to walk to South Queensferry. Clear views were had from Cramond Village over the water to Fife and Cramond Island when the walkers set off on the first part of the walk to Cramond Brig enjoying lovely autumnal colours on the trees and reflections on the River Almond. Along the way the walkers detoured slightly to view Eagle Rock named as a result of an eagle carved into it supposedly by Roman Legionaries from the fort at nearby Cramond. Following a picnic lunch on a shell covered beach, the party then walked past Dalmeny House and Golf Course and then Barnbougle Castle. Further along the woodland track is Hound Point and shortly after that the magnificent Forth Rail Bridge comes into view. On reaching South Queensferry the walkers passed the Hawes Inn which dates back to the 17th century and featured in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel 'Kidnapped'. A well earned coffee was enjoyed before the bus journey back to Cramond Brig and completing this 9 mile walk on a glorious autumn day.
