The Towford Walk

Sunday was the first time it has been a heatwave for any of our walks and what a fantastic walk it was. The hedges and trees had suddenly appeared to come into full leaf as we drove up through Oxnam and down to Towford and already the paddlers and sunworshippers were parked up at the ford.
The water did look very tempting but we knew our mission and it was straight up the hillside or rather Dere Street. The sheep faulds at the top was next to a surprisingly grassy field but the views were already breathtaking. One of the features of this walk seemed to be the number of sheep pens and stells dotted about this "Cheviot" countryside and all well maintained. From there we contoured round for a welcome rest and snack at Standard Knowe with Buchtrig Farm away in the distance.
Refuelled we ambled round the hillside passing an overflowing bath before another wee climb onto the top for a panoramic view with a distant Ruberslaw and the Eildons looking grey in the haze of the heat.
The days of the Border Reivers quickly came to mind when we found ourselves looking down into a huge basin near Peelnick. Thankfully it was peace, perfect peace with skylarks our only company.
It wasn't until we got up onto the top and took a break at the Mountain refuge hut on the Penine Way that we encountered other walkers and cyclists. No doubt the hut has been a welcome sight and refuge for many a person on other days when the weather has been anything but welcome.
A stretch back along the Penine Way took us  to Black Halls and was good going with some paved bits on the way  before we turned again onto Dere Street for a really beautiful stretch looping back round to Blackhall Hill and the faulds which was at the top of our first climb.
Then it was downhill to the ford and a hot car which thankfully cooled down while we paddled in the burn! It was great knowing after 10 miles we had really earned it.
What a day. As someone said when it felt like we were on top of the world looking down on a picture postcard." If only we could bottle it!" How lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the country and be able to pull on the boots, load up with plenty of water and go walking.

Sunday's trek at Towford.

Just had a minute to put photos on from yesterday. Spectacular walk, cracking weather will update you in more detail later. But suffice to say must rate as one of the best walks yet.

Photos from Sunday

Towford pics

Summer is here!

Well, what a difference a week or two can make when it comes to this British weather! A fortnight ago we were about blown off our feet in the Langholm hills and very cold into the bargain and it looks like this Sunday we could be in t shirts and shorts (scary thought I know)  and loaded down with water. Plans are to venture over to Towford near Jedburgh and take in a circular walk up onto Dere Street, Lamb Hill and the Penine Way. Had a drive up Kale Water a few weeks ago with a group of ladies from Shetland SWRI and it is a beautiful part of the Borders so roll on Sunday. Might be too warm for Pat's hat, but sure it will make the usual cameo appearance.

Old Irvine circular walk, Langholm

It was with great sadness, but with steely determination, that seven of us headed to Langholm today to brave the chilly wind to take in the Old Irvine circular walk of approximately 10 miles. For sadly, on Friday Ellie Roberts, whose battle with the unjust infliction of Motor Neurone disease, and was the inspiration for this sponsored challenge in the first place, died at her home at Cavers. A truly lovely person, Ellie will be very sorely missed and everyone's thoughts are with Will and all the family. Hopefully, our walk in July/August will raise lots of money for Motor Neurone in Ellie's memory and also Macmillan Cancer Support.
And so to today.
Leaving the usual hoards of ducks and a heron behind in the car park (the heron was being fed cat food by someone from a tin!) there was only really one place to start the walk Caroline Street -never knew they had called a street after me- and then it was into a lovely wood filled with bluebells. Passing Murtholm we headed up to the cemetery which turned out to be slightly confusing but thankfully a lovely gentleman with a spaniel guided us round and onto the track at Skipper Cottage. Would be interesting to know what the skipper means as that is obviously the name of the bridge with the traffic lights too. Answers on a postcard..... preferably with some sponsorship money.
It was then along the hillside to Old Irvine passing through at least one kissing gate en route. We are all getting a bit suspicious about Ronnie's choice of walks as kissing gates seem to feature a bit too frequently. Thank goodness Julia is there too!
After Old Irvine the route ahead was straight, very straight- a  recently laid forestry track which seemed to go on for miles. Possibly only about two, but with a biting cold wind which made it seem like one step forward and two back at times, it certainly got rid of any cobwebs - and at least one hat- and meant we had a good appetite for lunch at the other end. Gather there is going to be some forestry planting in the area soon.
Refuelled by lunch, there was a short spell sheltered from the wind before we headed downhill past Bloch Farm with windmills in the distance and over the burn at Wauchope Schoolhouse. From there, it was across the hillside with the wind behind amazing how much faster you go when you are jet propelled and down passed Becks Farm. Definitely Cheviot countryside this!
It was really nice to finish the walk back through a lovely wood before passing lots of wee fields and stables and then the Muckle Toon awaited us.
Lots of variety in landscape, great views and as always good company, and no rain until Langholm was in sight. Not surprisingly a warm kitchen, supper and a glass of wine and I found myself nodding off!

Old Irvine in pics.

West We Go!

This Sunday we are venturing west! Heading down to the Langholm area for a walk- will be a nice wee change and hopefully back amongst the hills! Think some of us must be like the sheep and hefted to the hills! It is great to explore other countryside and very peaceful walking by the beautiful River Teviot or Tweed further downstream but have to say, you cannot beat getting up on a hilltop and looking down on the Border landscape. Mind you if the weather takes yet another turn for the worse as some forecasters are predicting we might just change our minds this weekend. Watch this space. Meeting at Teviothead at 10.30 on Sunday if anyone cares to join us. And Sam has promised to bring the flapjack.

Money, money, money

Hi All,
Fantastic news! We have already raised over £1,000 through sponsorsheets and online site.
Well done all of you and keep up the good work. Now off to Zumba class, miserable morning and will leave walking to the weekend. Although I have been warned by one of my sponsors that that will not be an option come the summer! Rain, hail, midges or sun we will be out walking. And when you look at the amazing efforts of the girl walking the London Marathon in a special spinal corset, then our attempt should be a dawdle!