Tinto

Tinto (707m) is an isolated and distinctive conical hill on the northern edge of the southern uplands. It is clearly visible from the house in Symington where we spent Christmas. We managed two ascents of the hill before Christmas - both on clear but extremely cold days. The views from the summit were extensive. To the north the highland line could be seen across the central belt. To the north east the Pentland Hills were very white as were the Border Hills and to the south west the Lowther Hills appeared blue in the low winter sun. We didn't linger long on the summit on either trip as it was bitterly cold but we did put our Microspikes on to make the descent on the icey track quicker and safer.

The River Clyde winds around the eastern side of Tinto on route to Glasgow. We had a walk down to it on a very cold Christmas Eve afternoon. The hoar frost on the trees and the semi frozen river were both amazing to see.

Tinto from the River Clyde.

Susan on Tinto's massive summit cairn which dates from the Bronze Age.

Looking to the Lowther Hills.

The view north east from just below the summit cairn.

Looking towards the snow covered Pentlands.

The River Clyde near Symington.

Culter Fell from the Clyde.

Low winter sun over the Clyde.