Tuesday 31st December 2019 11.45pm to Wednesday 1st January 2020 12.15am
(not 11.15pm-11.45pm - the event page won't allow me to start an event any later than 11.15pm!)
Last Hogmanay I hosted my first event on top of Dumyat. It was fantastic to bring in the New Year with caching friends old and new. It was a tad windy at the top but we had a great view of the fireworks across Stirling and could even spot some as far away as Edinburgh.
This Hogmanay I've opted for an easier hill as I will have my daughters with me - and also for a change from last year. At 278 metres, Cockleroy isn't a big walk (particularly from the nearest parking - just 500 metres and less than 100 metres of ascent) but should give us great views over Linlithgow and hopefully maybe Edinburgh again if it is clear.
So once again, bring a flask of what you fancy, I'll bring some shortbread/tablet and together we can welcome in the New Year!
There are a number of options for parking/walking up:
1. Nearerst parking is on the roadside (room for approx 10 cars) next to the Cockleroy car park (which is shut at night). 500m to top of hill.
2. Parking on the roadside/beside the gate (room for approx 4/5 cars) near the Beecraigs Balvormie car park (again shut at night). 1km to top of hill.
3. Parking on the street in Linlithgow (particularly handy if you'd like to visit the pub before the walk!) Approx 3km to top of hill (and all 278m of ascent).
There are currently no caches on Cockleroy but I hope to change that before the event. Lots of caches to be found at nearby Beecraigs Country Park however if you'd like to make a day of it.
Despite this being a relatively small hill, you will still need to be prepared with all the usual hill walking attire and equipment - and obviously a good torch as well.
The event coordinates are for an area just a few metres away from the trig point to hopefully provide a bit of shelter but still with great views. I'll decorate my rucksack with fairy lights so I'll hopefully be easy to spot!