weather conditions were perfect for Biggar Ramblers 8 mile walk around Baronshaugh RSPB and Cambusnethan Priory. After a beautiful woodland walk through Baronshaugh they walked along the banks of the Clyde where a Kingfisher and lots of sand martins were spotted as well as dragonflies. Lunch was taken at the Priory, they saw miniature wild orchids on the route back to Baronshaugh where they visited an ancient graveyard and saw the Covenanter's oak amongst other historical points of interest.

 On Sunday 4th July six walkers made their way out of the Leadhills village as mist began to spread across the hills. The route took them over one hill to Wanlock Dodd. The rain then eased off as the grey clouds cleared and they all got the views they wanted. They followed a rough slightly eroded path up to Sowen Dod, stopping to take in an all-round view of the hills, Green Lowther ridge was next and then to the large Golf Ball a landmark in this area for all walkers. They could see the SUW path makes its way up the gully between Glengaber Hill and Highmill Knows. They sat for lunch halfway down on the slope of Sowen Doss, but cut sort by heavy rain, so it was a very quick pack up and down off the hills, the heavy rain continued as they walked back to Wanlockhead missing out on the chance to look at some of the interesting historical sites of the lead mining village. Once through the village it was a case of following the narrow-gauge railway back to Leadhills.

 A small group of Ramblers met at Cardrona Forest near Peebles for a woodland walk. This forest is a wee gem in a corner of the Tweed Valley Forest park with a babbling brook. flowers and trees filled with birds and the possibility of seeing red squirrels and deer. They reached the top of Cardrona Hill where the path entered a darker part of the forest which leads to Castle Knowe and the remains of an Iron Age Fort which is surprisingly big and seems to be well maintained. They passed caldron Tower on the descent.

 On Wednesday 2nd June Biggar Ramblers explored the beautiful scenery of one of Scotland's oldest thoroughfares, the Minchmoor Road. The path was originally used over 800 years ago by monks from Kelso visiting their lands in Lanarkshire. The walk started from Traquair Village hall progressing steadily through woodlands up to Cheesewell, where traveller's left gifts for the fairies to ensure safe passage. Panoramic views were enjoyed at the summit of Minchmoor Hill.

 On Saturday Leadhills was the destination for Biggar Ramblers members. Set in the Lowther hills it is designated an ancient monument because of its history as a major lead mining centre. The walkers climbed the two highest tops on the range, Green Lowther and Lowther Hill. They left the village past Britain's highest golf course and up to the reservoir, which was the source of water for the mines in the area. The weather was warm and sunny but when they reached the top the walkers were hit by battering hosts of cold winds. The superb views rank amongst the most extensive in Southern Scotland. They then climbed up to Lowther Hill with its Radar Station a giant Golf Ball sitting slower at 725m. The group then followed the Southern Upland War path which took them down to the old narrow gauge railway kine where a pair of Kites fly just above their heads.

Correction:- on the last walk report from Douglas, it was reported that the walkers had a coffee stop at the site of the polish PoW camp.  That information was wrong. The camp housed Polish people escaping persecution. The Polish people were NOT PoWs and fought alongside the British people to protect Britain. Biggar Ramblers apologise for any unintended offence and would like to thank all of those who protected our homeland so bravely at our time of need.

 Oh what a difference the weather makes! Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a 5-mile ramble is Douglas Estate on 19th May. A swan with seven cygnets was an attraction as they passed the lake, as were many geese and ducks with their offspring. A photographic opportunity was taken at Castle dangerous, with a coffee stop at the Polish prisoner-of-war camp, where 3000 soldiers were homed from 1940. From there, the walkers climbed uphill and returned to walk round the other side of the lake where lunch was taken. Everyone agreed it was lovely to be out walking on beautiful surroundings