Great walks across Ministry of Defence land

The Pentland Hills, south-west of Edinburgh, are swathed in a muted wash of autumnal heather and afford a view over the steely L-shaped waters of Glencorse reservoir. So far, so gently rugged and tranquil, but there’s a sign ahead that warns of impending dangers: “Military Range Keep Out When Red Flags Flying; Warning Troops Training; Danger. Do not touch any Military debris - it may explode or harm you.”

We’ve reached the edge of the Castlelaw firing range. At the base is a cluster of army huts and a few soldiers criss-crossing the area. The warning signs and the army’s presence are a little off-putting, especially if, like me, you are not a local and unused to the day-to-day activities of troops in your backyard. However, I am accompanied by Helen Todd, campaigns and policy manager for Ramblers Scotland, and she knows the drill. Earlier in the day she checked the website that provides firing range notices for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It’s not a live firing day.