Black Esk Reservoir Walk

The last time we walked round the Black Esk Reservoir was in November 2011 and it was only Tom and myself so as Niall and Peter had not been round before we decided this would make a fairly easy walk especially as Peter and myself have knee problems. The walk was about 7.5 miles and the weather dry and mild so it was a good chance to have a final discussion prior to tomorrows big referendum on Scottish Independence. 

Since we were last round the Reservoir they have increased its capacity and all it will need now is a wet winter and there will be much more water in it. 

The actual dam

I am not sure by how much they have increased the capacity but at the top end of the reservoir they have built a new road as the old one will be eventually under water. The new one is about 5 ft higher than the old one. 

This is all new and allows for an increase in height of the water

After the walk we headed to Samye Ling for a Coffee and Cake where we met this very pleasant young man from Gaza or Palestine as he hopes it will eventually be called. He is a PHD graduate now on a 6 months break and is heading up to Edinburgh on his cycle and hopes to reach the Highlands. We had a very interesting discussion about his homeland and the problems faced by the people of Gaza. We wished him well on his journey through Scotland.

This tree was next to the cafe at Samye Ling and covered in Fungai.