Hurley Tunnel

On our walk from the car park towards the house on the Penicuik estate we heard a repeated chattering from a tree to our left, on the slope of the Terregles tower and a similar chattering in reply, a little further ahead. Expecting to see a squirrel, which I have heard making similar sounds in threat, I managed to locate the culprit and catch a photo; it proved to be a Mistle Thrush. Mr Flum found its opponent, which proved to be another Mistle Thrush, in similar pose. This is the first time I have positively identified the species in the wild.

We stopped for coffee at the café where, examining the C19 map which covers one wall, started an interesting conversation with the staff, in which we learned of a 'secret pond' and, even more intriguing, a 'secret tunnel' in an area of the estate we are less familiar with - naturally, despite the rain, we set off across fields of sheep (and the droppings of several other species) to confirm this information. And find it we did: main pic Mr Flum examining the (sealed) entrance to the tunnel,

 The collage in the extra photo shows the pond; the old stable block (where the owners, Clerk family, now resides) under an impressive precariously-balanced scaffolding; the raindrops on hawthorn berries (to prove it really was wet) and one of the thrushes, mid-song.

 Had I found the tunnel without prior knowledge I would have identified it as an ice house, being so close to a source of ice, but we were assured that its use was for clandestine meetings! Our next visit will almost certainly be to find the opposite end which, judging by the terrain, unless the tunnel is equipped with steps, will be halfway up the steep slope above the River North Esk.