A few days off.

As Susan had a few days off we headed up to Symington on Tuesday evening. The weather forecast was for more wind and rain but we had 3 good days.

On Wednesday we made the most of a few dry hours in the morning and climbed Tinto. There were no views from the summit where the wind was strong but it was good to get out in the 'Border' hills again. In the evening we had a superb 3 Course Meal at Cornhill Hotel to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

The 'new' information board at the foot of Tinto.

On the initial slopes of Tinto with views across the Clyde valley.

Susan sheltering her face from the wind on Tinto's summit.

The recently renewed summit marker.

Heading back to the car looking towards the Pentland Hills.

On Thursday we headed for Edinburgh. It was a beautiful morning so we got some good views of the city before going to the Whisky Experience to learn about Scotland's second biggest export. The tour was excellent and I'm looking forward to trying a few malts on future mountain trips. 

After an excellent lunch we headed up Carlton Hill to get more good views of the city. Unfortunately clouds had started to build up and by the time we went for a wander around the shops it was pouring with rain. This did not detract from and excellent city day out.

The Edinburgh skyline.

On the Roof Terrace of the National Museum of Scotland.

The famous Greyfriars Bobby - rub his nose for 'good luck'.

The world's largest bottle of Whisky.

On Carlton Hill looking across Leith to the Firth of Forth.

The Athenian acropolis on Carlton Hill.

Edinburgh Castle from Carlton Hill.

Friday was forecast to be a better day so we headed to the hills again. It's been a while since we've climbed Susan's favorite hill so we headed up Culter Glen to climb Gathersnow at the head of the valley and then Culter Fell. It was windy and cloudy but there were some good autumn colours and the hills were delightfully empty. A great day out.

Walking up the beautiful Culter Glen.

Culter Fell from the slopes of Gathersnow.

Susan at home in her beloved Border Hills.

On the summit of Gathersnow.

Heading for Culter Fell.

A 'Borders Hill' lady.

Susan charging up Culter Fell.

Seeking some shelter from the wind - Culter summit.

The view to Tinto from Culter Fell's descent.

We drove back to Cumbria on Friday evening as the forecast for Saturday was poor. It was 'bang on' but we had a pleasant trip to Ambleside and Keswick. We weren't tempted to get out onto even a low fell.

Today was a better day but the wind was still strong and showers swept in from the NW. We headed for Buttermere but stayed low. Firstly we climbed Rannerdale Knotts which gave some excellent autumnal views which included the first snow of the season on Great Gable and Kirk Fell. We then walked around Buttermere lake before enjoying our last treat of the week in the 'top' cafe.

Heading for Rannerdale Knotts.

On the slopes of Rannerdale Knotts looking down Crummock Water.

The Fellbarrow hills from Rannerdale Knotts.

Melbreak from Rannerdale Knotts.

The summit of Rannerdale Knotts.

The view down Buttermere.

Looking back to Rannerdale Knotts summit.

Dropping down Rannerdale to the car.

Walking around Buttermere lake.

The classic view down Buttermere from Peggy's Bridge.

Walking back to the village and cafe.