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.
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