Sunday & Selkirk to Melrose

Driving over to Selkirk mid morning, things, did not look very good. Ahead of us it was dark and very wet  and the distant hills didn't appear very inviting. However, by the time we had deposited passengers in Selkirk (they made for a cafe and bacon rolls!) and we had deposited two cars in Melrose and driven back, things were on the up and the coats came off. The first part of this Abbey Way takes you up over Selkirk Hill and with wild flowers in abundance, it was a really pleasant start to the route. But then we were in Selkirk! After leaving the hill and passing a beautiful garden, we headed along a track before going up the side of a field to a seat which afforded us grand views looking back towards Selkirk and the Yarrow and Ettrick Valleys. From there it was up the road to Half Crown Corner before an old drove road led us down to Cauldshiels Loch. Having stopped for lunch at the top it was a miracle there was anything left in the rucksacks but luckily we managed to rustle up a few crumbs for two swans and their beautiful 6 cygnets. Just Magic! From here it was a short walk downhill to Abbotsford House undergoing major work at the moment. Exciting times when you see the large visitor centre taking shape although it did mean this was about the muddiest part of the whole day as the diversion took us down past the new building. There were some lovely stretches through woods on this walk and before too long we found ourselves taking another break underneath the red viaduct. A short stretch along the banks of the River Tweed saw us passing in front of Lowood House before joining the Southern Upland Way. Passing the back of Waverley Castle Hotel we learnt that this was Skirmish Hill where the last battle in the Borders was fought in 1526. Obviously what goes on on the rugby pitches nowadays or downtown on a Saturday night doesn't count as a battle. The cauld looked pretty wild as we passed by before we reached our destination. - Melrose Abbey. It really was a very enjoyable walk with no rain. Just how we managed that was a bit of a miracle as no sooner were we into the car for the return journey home than on it came. It didn't seem like 10 miles, maybe we are getting fitter or perhaps just well fuelled with flapjack and birthday cake. Yes some folk keep telling us they did the West Highland Way and lost weight. We might just be the exception! Great walk, and good crack, so roll on the next walk. Now time for a bath!