Allermuir Hill, Pentlands

Despite having a day off today, I decided against going out last night in favour of a nice, long sleep. And great it was too - got up late, made a coffee, nice breakfast, and sat listening to Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings while I looked at papers for potential dissertation ideas.

I headed off to sign up for the mountaineering meet, which is going to the cairngorms for some fun winter walking and climbing this weekend. However, despite being 4th in the queue, I didn't get on it! Crazy. Met up with the others in the library cafe for lunch again, then off to the gym to have a go on the climbing wall with my new gear. But it was closed! Not a good day for all things mountaineering.

With this in mind, I set out on the bike to the base of the Pentlands to get some outdoors in me and quell my disappointment / mild rage at not getting on the meet. It's a great route - a 5 mile ride to the base, and about 35 minutes of steep uphill. I'd forgotten my bike lock so hid my bike in a ticket, before heading up. You're quickly rewarded with amazing views across the city, and across to fife, bass rock, and the treat of the Pentlands spreading over to the south. I arrived at the top at about half 4, the light already failing - I didn't get too many good shots up there because the light was so low, and I was without a tripod. Only saw one other person, who can be seen as an eerie blur of man and dog in the photo.

I'd packed my new headtorch (500 lumen!) but in the end didn't need it. Needed by down jacket, though - the first time I've really noticed how amazing it is to have something so warm that's so light! Hardly noticed it in my bag on the way up, but so glad of it on the way down.

Seany boy cooked dinner, lovely prawn curry.