Every picture tells a story

And there's lots to tell about the things that can be seen in this photo!

The slope in the foreground was recently 'harvested' - there was a plantation of fir trees here on the south bank of the River North Esk. Some broad leaf trees have been planted to replace them.

The pond is the Low Pond and, out of sight, over the top of the grassy slope behind it is the High Pond.

I was once told that the house in the walled garden was built for the mother of one of the Clerk family to keep her away from the big house because she was a witch - perhaps a native Penicuik person could confirm that? All I could find out about it on the web is:

'There are two walled gardens at Penicuik. The oldest is situated to the south of the house on the north bank of the River North Esk. Built in 1730, it is roughly semi-circular on plan. The Cornton Burn flows through the garden on its way to the river. The pavilion of Eskfield is incorporated within its walls. It is of brick construction with a pedimented gable with vases.
The garden was once famous for its extensive array of glasshouses which were recorded by J.C. Loudon in the early 19th century. It was maintained until World War I and is now partly used as grazing and partly as a private garden to the house which has been constructed within its walls.

I think the Pentland Hills that you can see from left to right are one of the Kips(?), South Black Hill, Scald Law and Carnethy Hill. One fit blipper has run over them all recently! Silverburn Quarry is just visible which used to quarry Devonian lavas - not sure why!

And if you look closely you can just see the river!

I think I need a holiday now!