Today we all woke up to a dusting of snow in the Scottish capital. I clearly have become obsessed with the weather here. It’s because it lends itself to a lot of conversation! I mean a lot!
The Scottish Pearl’s Container Garden
A quick scan of my container garden with my morning coffee wonderfully demonstrated the multiple personalities of Mother Nature! My daffodils and hyacinth are blooming while the garden pots are coated with a layer of snow. Lol!
Holyrood Park with a Dusting of Snow
A walk around Holyrood Park which you know is one of my favourites in the city. On this occasion, I wanted to see it with this layer of snow.
The kids were out having snowball fights. The dogs were more playful than ever! How could I not smile?
The crags looked magical.
Painting in the Scottish Capital
Finally, before I go, I had to take this photo! Only in Scotland can you have a layer of snow across the city but find people hard at work painting their outside fence!
I love discovering small hamlets and villages near the capital. Granted Pittenweem is still a fair distance but definitely doable in a day.
What a lovely village. I have since learned that the name is derived from Pictish and Scottish Gaelic. “Pit-” represents Pictish pett ‘place, portion of land’, and “-enweem” is Gaelic na h-Uaimh, ‘of the Caves’ in Gaelic, so “The Place of the Caves“!
Walking the village towards the harbour
I missed the caves but that gives me a reason to return in Spring. This fishing village has been in existence since the medieval period. As I made my way to the harbour, I passed the fish market where the daily catch is sold. It made me smile as it dawned on me that this scenario has most likely taken place for centuries. Amazing!
The network of alleyways
I loved meandering along with the multitude of alleyways that all seemed to meet at the harbour.
Pittenweem Harbour
As I got closer to the harbour I was greeted by the local gulls. I was convinced that they smelt fresh food in the air 😆 They were singing for their lunch!
Even on that brisk, cold and windy day, it was a joy to be by the water in this village. As always I found the water therapeutic but on this occasion, the surroundings were also wonderfully picturesque.
A 360 view of Pittenweem Harbour
There was hardly anyone around which was perfect for me but then again, I was out and about in frigid temperatures wandering the eastern coast! So not surprising that visitors were few.
Stacked rocks found at the end of the harbour
At the end of the harbour, I found stacked rocks. While living in Canada I use to think of stacked rocks as a way of telling the next traveler “Hello” while pointing them to a safe course to continue their journey. I always found that comforting. Now as I roam Scotland, I have come to realise that these stacks are more commonplace than I had originally thought. Regardless, I still find them comforting. On this day, the stacked rocks marked a spot for my break! A great spot for my hot beverage and a bite to eat before making the journey home.
After my break, I slowly wandered back through the lanes and quaint stores for my return trip. I found the entire trip invigorating.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have a tendency to hop onto a bus and ride it to the end. This was one of those occasions. Apparently, my destination was Hunter’s Tryst on Bus route 5
It was a really pleasant ride. Quite frankly any ride that takes you through Morningside is lovely.
Morningside Station Clock and Station stop
This blog post is really to show part of the ride and give a sense of this lovely city and capital away from the centre. It really is quite scenic.
Part of the ride to Hunter’s Tryst
When many think of Edinburgh, the Old Town, New Town and the castle come to mind. As lovely as those areas are, there is so much more. These photos represent an alternative view of the Bonnie capital. Look how pretty it is! Even in Winter!
Is that a word? Whacky? Well I’m not being reprimanded by my spellcheck so it is! And it is appropriate. We’ve had all four seasons in a given day and at times within the same hour. I kid you not.
The other day, we had sunshine followed by hail, back to sunshine then rain. It is no wonder that my container garden is confused!
So not only is Mother Nature developing multiple personalities, we all are! Putting on layers then taking off layers, hats on hats off. Yesterday was a day of continuous physical rewind! 😂
Palm tree in Hillside, Edinburgh
We are a city where you can see palm trees (yes! Indeed!) while tending to your snowdrops and crocuses, knowing it can snow any minute 👀.
I have to chuckle, it is also a place where you will see people in winter jackets and shorts! I finally understand which is scary.
I have walked this lane many times. It does not have a street name. However, it is a good shortcut from the Burns Monument (south of Regent Road) to Calton Road, or just to the east of Jacob’s Ladder.
Entrance to the lane located beside The Burns Monument, South of Regent Road.
Although this hidden lane has stairs, it is not as steep as those of Jacob’s Ladder. As a result, it is an easier alternative.
Narrow hidden lane to Calton Road
I personally like walking it. It’s like a secret passageway to my destination. In Spring it is quite pretty too!
As you reach the fork in the lane the views of Waverley and the Old Town are worth the stop.
Fork in the hidden lane to Calton Road or Jacob’s Ladder
Then as you continue south to Calton Road one has to be prepared for the stairs.
Again the stairs are not as steep as those of Jacob’s Ladder but there are quite a few of them.
I like discovering these “country lanes” in the middle of the city.
I had not walked Leith Links for a while and so I took a stroll. I was delighted to see the John Rattray statue…. with access! The last time I was at the Links it was bordered off.
The plaque
Dr John Rattray was a surgeon, Jacobite and golfer. He was responsible for preparing the first rules of golf in 1744 for the first competition in Leith.
