The weather for Biggar Ramblers walk on Wednesday 24th February couldn't have been more different from the previous one on 11th February. Then it was " a touch of the Arctic" today it was like a spring day. They started the walk at West Linton Golf Club where the sun was shining, there was not a breath of wind and the woodpeckers were busy in the trees. As they passed through the woods snowdrops could be seen.
The walk followed the old road to Carlops over the bridge at Lynedale with the river far below and up the hill past the pigs and stables then past the road to Stonypath, the path was good and not as muddy as they expected. They saw in the fields some depressions which are called 'Sillar' holes where silver had once been mined.
The views now opened out and they saw the Pentland hills ahead where snow patches could be seen here and there. They now saw many Icelandic ponies of all colours and sizes, some were being ridden others were enjoying the sun out in the fields.
They continued on to the village of Carlops where they were welcomed to the excellent soup lunch in the church.
They then returned by the same route although the views looked different as they now saw Mendick in the distance.
A very pleasant walk of 6miles with good food and good company.
The next walk is a circular walk at the Falls of Clyde on Saturday 3rd. February.

A touch of the Arctic: four Biggar Ramblers tackled the southern end of the Pentlands ridge on Sunday 11th February. A fresh fall of snow overnight and an icy wind made the going quite hard. Drifting snow covered the Monk's Rig track that leads from Nine Mile Burn to the Foot of West Kip. The shortened route took in the three tops of West Kip, East Kip and Scald Law, the Pentlands highest point. Some stunning views but the uncertain terrain and driving wind meant heads down for much of the time! The return route was past Eastfield Farm onto the Braid law track. A total of seven miles.
Walk Leader :John Hart

The walk on Thursday 8th February, with seven lady members, was on the Clyde Walkway from Crossford to Garrion- a distance of approx. 7 miles. Due to the recent wet weather followed by snow it was rather muddy in places but no different from other recent walks. From the bridge at Crossford the way follows the river closely by boardwalk and gravel path and then climbs above it before dropping down via the sturdy wood steps to river level again and the path alongside the wire fenced fields. The sheep were once more out in the fields and in many places snowdrops were beginning to show. There was a short stop for a drink before reaching the private road leading to the large white house. From there follows two fairly steep inclines and drops on either side of a Carluke access road before a final drop to come alongside the river once more and into the Mauldslie estate and the fields opposite the Popinjay Hotel. Continuing under the Mauldslie Bridge and the short climb up to the woods for lunch above the river before the final section along the river and burn to meet the road. A short section on the grass verge tied to Horslea Brae then left down to Garrion Bridge. Once the bridge roundabout was negotiated there was the final short stretch on the pavement to the bus stop at Dalserf in time to catch the bus back to the cars at Crossford. There followed by a welcome coffee and cake at Silverbirch garden centre to round off the day

A short walk with lunch at the end was on the Biggar Ramblers programme at the beginning of February. Brian Henry led the group starting at Eddleston with the first stop being the Polish Map of Scotland. Being a day when light snow fell before and during the walk 'Scotland ' was under a blanket of snow. The group found shelter for a coffee break before joining the Old Post Road to walk northwards over open countryside of Black Barony and farm track. Return to Eddleston was past Darnhall Mains and stopping for lunch in the Scots Pine where the log fire was welcome.

On Thursday 25th January nine Biggar Ramblers met in the afternoon to do a short circular walk from Biggar to Hillridge Farm. They were lucky with the weather as it had been very wet, sunny conditions prevailed. The result of the previous rain and the recently melted snow was some very muddy terrain! Anyway the end of the walk was through the Burn Braes which gave a good opportunity for a boot clean in the ford.
This marked the last walk in the current programme but a new series of outings starts in February. The programme is downloaded from the Biggar Ramblers website. It is always good to see new faces. If you spot a walk you fancy come along, we meet before each walk outside the Corn Exchange.
Walk leader: John Hart