Walk No. 223: Threipmuir, Harlaw to Juniper Green
Date: Thursday 16h November 2017
Distance: 5 miles approximately
Start Time: 11:00
Start at: Balerno Terminus of Lothian Buses 44.
Finish at: Juniper Green Village (on 44 bus route)
Summary:
As the rain battered off the widows on the Thursday
morning, we wondered if the weather forecast could be trusted - that the rest
of day should be bright and sunny. For once the forecast was right and 32
Strollers met up in sunshine at the 44 bus terminus in Balerno to make their
way to Juniper Green via the Threipmuir and Harlaw reservoirs.
Starting off from the terminus and going up to Threipmuir, with up being the
key word, it seemed more than a puff factor 2 on the steepness rating.
Obviously the coordinator had forgotten that bit of road. Dodging puddles and
cars to arrive at Threipmuir reservoir with lovely clear views across the water
and stroll along to Harlaw. For some reason no-one seemed keen on taking a dip
for a bit of wild swimming. The reservoirs are no longer used as such but are
now used for fishing and as part of the Water of Leith flood defence.
In addition Harlaw generates Hydro power. A 95kW hydro scheme takes water from
the dam’s penstocks (reservoir dam outflows) returning flow to the dam discharge
channel prior to it forming Bavelaw Burn. A new turbine house is located to the
north east of the discharge channel at the foot of the Harlaw Reservoir dam
immediately south of the disused building. The scheme will
generate approximately 260,000kWh (units) of green electricity per year – enough
for approximately 100 average houses – saving 129 tonnes of carbon dioxide per
year.
Stopping at the Ranger Station to use the facilities proved how good the
Strollers are at queueing, with only 1 toilet available. From there we made our
way east along the ridge past the farms of Harlaw and Wester Kinleith, admiring
the views over the Forth Bridges and into Fife as well as out to the
West. Passing lots of horses of all different size from small Shetland ponies
to large working horses as well as varying colours of sheep. then along to
Blinkbonny Village. Descending down on the Water of Leith walkway, and
wondering how much sunlight will reach the houses being built on the
site where all the Kinleith Mills used to stand.
Finishing up in Juniper Green
still in time for people to get something to eat - which takes us on to the
next “walk” which will be to the Lunch in Edinburgh and nice, dry and warm. Look
forward to seeing you then.
Thanks to Drew for organising today’s walk and having trust in the weather
forecast.
