June Social 2026Monday 15th June, Pentland Skyline Run
Credit: Mark Rowe
The annual Pentland Hills Skyline Run took place in great conditions this year, dry overhead (okay - just the odd spot at the very end) and dry underfoot, with pleasant temperatures. Club members ran in small groups and did a number of different routes to match arrival times and ability over the testing terrain.
The popular routes consist of going down the A702 to either Nine mile burn for the full run - up and over the Kips, Scald Law, Carnethy and Turnhouse Hill, finishing at Flotterstone, or to the start of the old Kirk Road to do the shorter route, which joins the ridge at the col between Scald Law and Carnethy. Many club members have additional little add ons or preferences for routes. Some also opt to just take a wander from the Flotterstone car park.
Following the active element we gathered in the happily re-opened Flotterstone pub who looked after us really well, providing delicious pre-ordered meals and we had the unexpected bonus of some tasty desserts. Thanks to Pauline and the team there - highly recommended! Its always ideal to be able to finish the run and collapse in through the hostelry front door.
Those in attendance were asked to submit some anecdotes from the night:
- William and I joined the Skyline racers from the short route, starting at Silverburn. As we neared the saddle in between Scald Law and Carnethy, the front runners passed over, with Margaret not far behind, so good timing. Once up Carnethy we had a good view of runners ahead and behind, all strung along the ridge in small groups. There were a few spots of rain towards the end but it didn't come to anything resulting in a pleasant and sociable evening out.
- I was very happy to start earlier and arrive before the food for a change! On my solo run up to the Font Stone I saw a very cute weasel on the path looking at me. Then it was nice to join the group of Rachel and the Hardings for the rest of the way, (after 20min on the hill with the skylarks and various insects), whilst chasing Sheila for the Turf zones.
- Great run and good to see a good mix of ESOC generations having fun together. The fish and chips were superb, so I will definitely be back at the Flotersone pub for food.
- I loved meeting a new face and chatting all the way with Meg. Obviously if we weren’t chatting we would have been 30 mins faster!
- Yummy desserts, even for those of us who had said we didn't want food,
- Great fun tonight thanks all, especially to Fran, Meg, Martin, Anna & Ingrid, although I was definitely out of breath chatting! Great to see Calum out with two great running buddies in Tom and Morten. He had a great time & did better than me getting photos too.....and the food was lovely! We both loved it, nice to get good food when you feel you have earned it, thanks Mark for organising a top event with great company🤗
- Great Pentland Skyline run tonight in perfect conditions. The best part was running the whole way with my teammate Emma.
- Very enjoyable skyline run this evening. Thanks to the organisers and the weather held!
Thank you to everyone who came along!
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