Ladyurd Horseshoe

 A group of 8 walkers from Biggar Ramblers braved extremely blustery weather to walk the 4 mile 'Ladyurd Horseshoe'. The walk started with a gradual ascent until it turned sharply just under Wether Law, where there was just enough shelter for a coffee break. Thanks to the strong wind, visibility was good and there were great views here right across to the Pentlands. The walk now continued down the other side of the valley, joining the outgoing path just before reaching the car park. Soup and paninis were then enjoyed at the Big Red Barn.

Cramond to South Queensferry

 A group of 9 walkers from Biggar Ramblers enjoyed an interesting and scenic 8 mile walk from the pretty village of Cramond, along the stunning southern shoreline of the Forth estuary towards the imposing Forth rail bridge at South Queensferry.  The weather was kind to us with great visibility, affording detailed views of the Fife shoreline all the way.

 

 

Innerleithen/Walkerburn via Priesthope and Pirn Law.

 On a rather dreich October Thursday morning, six members of Biggar Ramblers set off from Innerleithen following the path along the Tweed towards Walkerburn. With all the recent rain, the river was flowing fast, but that wasn't putting the fishermen off, seen up to their waists in the water, together with a heron hoping for a meal. After reaching Walkerburn, the group crossed the main road and climbed up beside the Walker Burn, first across fields, and then into the forest. By now it had started raining, so the trees provided a welcome dry spot for a coffee break. The route then carried on up towards Priesthope where, after a sharp left turn, it followed a main forest track heading back towards Innerleithen. On reaching an open turning area, a narrow path was taken leading down towards the Leithen Water. Along the way here, fine views of Innerleithen and the Tweed Valley opened up. The Leithen Water was reached by the ancient Cuddy Bridge, built in 1701 with funds from a vacant ministry in the area. It was then a short walk back to the car park where, despite being soaked through, it was agreed that it had been a good walk.

 

Mendick Hill, 22nd October

 

On a lovely sunny morning the Ramblers set out from the Golf Club to walk up Mendick Hill. The party walked along the track to the Old Roman Bridge and on to the Roman Road passing South Slipperfield. The views of the surrounding hills and countryside along this drove road were majestic. The walkers then turned right just passed Hardgatehead Cottage and with Mendick in front of them made their way to the top of the hill. There is a short but steepish climb to get to the top. The party were again rewarded with magnificent views as far as Berwick Law and the Bass Rock and of course Tinto. On either side of Mendick Hill is Ingraston Hill and Little Mendick Hill. The walkers then made their way carefully down the hill and enjoyed lunch in the sunshine before heading back along the Roman Road to the Golf Club where everyone enjoyed a well earned refreshment.

Cloich Forest Loop October 11th

 

A Biggar Ramblers walk early in October was the Cloich Forest Loop. Six walkers started from

Eddleston. The route took them through the Barony Castle woods and out onto the Old Post Road at Swiss Cabin Cottage. Then it was north to a coffee stop in the wood, sheltered from the winds gusting 30 mph. At Shiplaw the route took them west to enter the Cloich Forest although enter was not the correct word as the route clung to the outside of the forest most of the way. With the remote cottage of Courhope in sight the group entered the forest properly to follow a pleasant path to Stewarton. Again on the Old Post Road they turned north crossing open fields to reach the woods at the Fairydean Burn. Coming through the woods and then entering the Barony Castle grounds again the group spent time visiting the Polish Map of Scotland before returning to the start point in Eddleston. Please see www.biggarramblers.org.uk for more information.

Pentlands Walk

 On a very windy 28th September, 5 members of Biggar Ramblers set out on the classic Pentlands Walk from Flotterstone to Nine Mile Burn. Cars were parked at Nine Mile Burn and the bus was taken to Flotterstone for the start of the walk. There was first a steady climb up to Turnhouse Hill, followed by an easier section to the foot of Carnethy Hill, where luckily, a sheltered spot was found for a coffee break.There was then another climb up to Carnethy Hill, from where wonderful views opened up as far as North Berwick to the East and the Forth Bridges and Fife to the North. There was then a descent to The Grain Burn and the Old Kirk Road which used to be used by worshippers going to church. Lunch was now taken as this proved to be another area sheltered from the strong wind. The walk then continued with three more good climbs up Scald Law, East Kip and West Kip.The final part of the walk was over Cap Law, passing the ancient Font Stone, arriving back at the parked cars at Nine Mile Burn. With five peaks, this was a challenging walk, but despite the strong winds which even made standing on the summits difficult, was both rewarding and enjoyable.

Hardrig Head Circular

 Four members of Biggar Ramblers set off from Lamington to climb up the Easkgill Rig to reach Hardrig Head to stand alongside the many wind turbines that make up the Clyde Wind Farm. Strong and gusty winds with intermittent showers made scaling the 556 metre high hill top even more challenging but rewarding. Indistinct paths and moorland Heather made conditions underfoot quite tricky with a lot of standing water after recent heavy rains. Standing next to these giant fans on stilts is impressive, even more so as they whir and carve their huge fan blades through the air. Clear views of the Pentlands and the rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway were augmented by the appearance of full and clear rainbows across the sky. The route down Bent Rig and passed the Baitlaws estate was more straightforward and sheltered. A downpour along the home stretch ensured we were suitably drenched for the journey home to Biggar. The group were pleased to get back to the startpoint, satisfied in the knowledge they had enjoyed a testing ramble covering over 7.5 miles in challenging weather conditions .

Peebles Circular

 Six members of Biggar Ramblers met recently in Peebles. After meeting at Ninians Haugh car park the group crossed the Tweed as they walked toward the old Parish Church where a bell practice had the church bells ringing to Amazing Grace and Loch Lomond. The walkers followed the well worn path keeping the river to their left, passing the ruins of Neidpath Castle before breaking for lunch near Lyne Station. After crossing the river again, they walked through Crow wood and Barns Garden wood, turning to walk by the riverside once more. They crossed the Manor bridge to retrace their steps briefly, before crossing the Tweed again to walk through the Victorian train tunnel, a very atmospheric 3/4 mile dark passage way. Finally the walkers again followed the riverbank back to the starting point. The 9 mile walk took just under 4 hours, including breaks.

 

Bizzyberry walk and seat sponsorship

On 7th September in lovely evening sunshine, a group of Biggar Ramblers climbed half way up Bizzyberry Hill to the view point where there is an information board and seat. The ramblers now sponsor this seat, and so to recognise this there was a brief celebration and a brass plaque was fitted, with the appropriate words inscribed 'Enjoy your walk'.

Afterwards the group returned to Biggar to a member's house where they enjoyed a lovely 'bring a dish' supper.

Dumfies House Estate

 A group of 10 from Biggar Ramblers visited Dumfries House Estate on August 30th.  This was to enjoy a gentle 4-mile walk around the grounds. The weather was perfect for such a visit.  Despite it being nearly September, the Rothesay Garden was full of colour and the displays of Hydrangeas were particularly impressive as was a crab apple tree heavily laden with fruit.  The group moved on to cross the Adam Bridge into the Arboretum which has developed hugely over recent years. The Walled Garden and greenhouses were a blaze of colour and interest and the Education Garden had many fruit trees and tempting vegetables.  The group went on further,  past Home Farm and up to The  Temple where the views were terrific.  The walk ended naturally at the Cafe where everyone enjoyed cups of tea and nibbles. A very fine day out. To learn more and for future walk details see www.biggarramblers.org

 

From Cardrona to Peebles via Kirkhope Law

 On Saturday 26 th August 5 Biggar ramblers were joined by 3 from Tweeddale, and with a
guest leader, set off on an 11 mile walk from Cardrona to Peebles via Kirkhope Law.
The walk started along the old railway line before turning off into the Cardrona Forest. After
a long ascent through the forest open moors were reached, offering spectacular views. The
walk progressed along the open moor, going round Birks Hill before picking up an old drove
road past the top of Kirkhope Law (537m) and down to Peebles through the Gypsie Glen.
Luckly the forecast showers failed to materialise, and with sunny intervals and excellent
visibility it was possible to see the top of the Tweed valley in one direction and beyond
Glensax in the other, all the way to the Pentlands – amazing scenery!
A long and invigorating walk, enjoyed by all.

Forth and Clyde canal and Antonine wall

 

A  group of Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a walk along the banks of the beautiful Forth & Clyde canal where we encountered two heron fishing,  before climbing up along Croy hill to view the earth works which are part of the Roman Antonine wall.  The ramble was a circular walk of 6.5 miles.  The route takes you through two Roman fort sites and gives great views of the Campsie hills to the north.

If you are interested in joining us on a ramble please check out our website biggarramblers.org.uk for details of how to get in touch with our team.

Drum Maw and the Cloich Hills from Newlands

 On Sunday 13th August 2023 a small group of five Biggar Ramblers braved the danger of thundery rain, and completed a lovely circular walk in the Cloich Hills near Romanno Bridge. We parked at Newlands Church and followed a farm track up into the hillside, where we walked a grass track along the side of Whiteside Hill with great views of the Lyne Valley. From there we followed the Flemington Burn, and then through Romanno Hope and a steep climb up to the summit of Drum Maw. The day turned out bright and breezy, and walking along the ridge to White Knowe we had fantastic views of West Linton and the Pentlands to the North, and The Broughton Heights and Southern Uplands to the South. The last part of the walk involved visiting the site of an Iron Age fort where we enjoyed lunch before walking round the hill and back to our start point. The walk

proved a revelation with good paths and beautiful views from start to finish.

Minch Moor via the Cheese Well

 Twelve members of the Biggar Ramblers met at the Traquair Village Hall car park to climb to the top of
Minch Moor via the Cheese Well. The climb is straightforward on good woodland tracks up a steady
gradient for over 2 miles. As the woods cleared the views over the Tweed valley opened up. A helpfully
located bench indicated that this would be a good place for a refreshment stop. A hillside crop of large
ovals cut into the heather and undergrowth added an item of interest. Before reaching the trigpoint on
top of Minch Moor the group passed the Cheese Well by a trickling Burn. It is a local tradition to leave
small pieces of cheese here for the fairies to ensure a safe journey. So not to offend the fairies the group
did leave a small amount of cheese in the burn. The summit afforded great 360 degree views over to
Hundleshope Heights range to the west and the Eildon Hills to the east. Taking different tracks
downwards through the purple heather, small sprigs of white heather were spied as well as many other
examples of interesting flora growing wild along the route. Returning to the valley floor via Camp Shiel
and the Fingland Burn to the main road it was just a short walk back to the start point. In near perfect
walking conditions the 6.5 mile circular route was a satisfying achievement for the ramblers, safe in the knowledge we had left the fairies happy too!

Melrose and the Eildon Hills

 On Saturday 5 th August a group of 9 Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a day in the Borders visiting lovely Melrose and climbing the spectacular Eildon Hills. We parked opposite the 12 th Century Abbey and quickly picked up the St Cuthbert’s Way footpath up a steep path towards the Eildons. At a col between the hills we branched onto a steep path up Mid Hill the highest of the three peaks, and struggled to the summit in a heavy rain shower. We then descended back to the col and took a much gentler path up North Hill where we could enjoy fantastic panoramic views over Melrose and the Tweed Valley, before descending down a good path. 

The latter part of the walk was easier, but very interesting, visiting the “Rhymer’s Stone”, the Victorian Leaderfoot Viaduct, and the site of the Roman fort at Trimontium, which housed a Roman garrison of 1000 in the first century AD. We walked back into Melrose on the ancient Prior’s Walk path, and finished our day with  well-earned tea and

scones in an outdoor café in Melrose High Street.

White Meldon

 

On 27^th July, Biggar Ramblers tackled another hill with magnificent views, this time in the Meldons. Many folk will know this single track road from the A72 over the hills to Eddleston as the diversion when there is an accident on the A703, or as a lovely area for camping, equipped with picnic tables, interpretation boards about the history of the area, and a toilet block (unfortunately closed for some years, due to vandalism).  Starting from one of the picnic areas, the group set off across a small footbridge and over a fence to begin the climb, soon picking up a quod bike track. The ascent is steep, giving ample opportunity to stop to admire the views. The weather was damp but warm, so the gentle breeze at the top at the trig point (427m) was welcome. The 360^o views were good, although somewhat limited by the low cloud. After coffee the group set off on the descent down the northerly shoulder, before bearing slightly north west to cross the site of hut circles. At this point the going is tough, through thick heather. After crossing a lateral quod bike track, the way became slightly easier towards the road. After crossing into the wooded area of Hopehead, the group followed the track behind the trees parallel to the road until reaching an interesting bronze age burial mound, where the interpretation board shows how the circular mound would have looked. The circle is quite extensive and it is possible to see one or two excavated depressions where the bodies were laid, curled up in foetal position. Emerging from the trees, the group had lunch beside a stream, enjoying a fine array of wild flowers, before heading back to the cars. This was a short but interesting walk, suggesting a longer mileage in this area next time we visit.

Carmichael Estate

 

After a drizzly start a group of six from Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a fine day walking the 7½ mile circular route around the Carmichael Estate. We began and finished at the Heritage and Visitor Centre having stopped for coffee and lunch breaks en route. 

The Clan Carmichael is one of Scotland's oldest clans and the Estate has been their patch since the 14th Century having played a prominent role in Scottish, British and European  history.                                                                                                                                             

Cauldstane Slap

 12 Ramblers set out on Wednesday, 19 July to walk to the Cauldstane Slap. The party started off from Baddinsgill passing Baddinsgill Reservoir on their right and headed along the Cross Border Drove Road which was used to move cattle from the Falkirk area into the Borders and England. A wooden bridge was crossed over a small river - Water of Leith whose source is at Colzium Springs. Onwards to the Cauldstane Slap with West Cairn and East Cairn hills on either side. The walkers then went a little further to enjoy views of Harperrig Reservoir and beyond. The walk was just over 6 miles. The weather was very kind with lovely views of the surrounding hills all the way.

Schiehallion and Birks of Aberfeldy

 On Wednesday 12th July, a group of eight Biggar Ramblers tested ourselves by climbing the majestic
Schiehallion, (Fairy Hill of the Caledonians), a “Munro” almost 1100 metres high. We started the
walk from the Braes of Fosse car park about 10 miles north of Aberfeldy. There is a good path which
started off on a gentle incline before becoming steeper as we moved up the hillside. The extra effort
was rewarded with fantastic views over Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel and up to the Cairngorms. We
then had to walk along a ridge covered in boulders before reaching the rocky summit. After a well-
earned lunch break we descended by the same path before returning to Aberfeldy for a pleasant
social evening and overnight stay. On the Thursday we also enjoyed a lovely walk, “The Birks of
Aberfeldy”, a waterside walk through birch woodlands with many beautiful bridges and waterfalls before driving home, proud and satisfied.

Glen Sherup Walk

 On Sunday 2nd July, a group of Biggar Ramblers set out for Glen Sherup in the Ochil Hills for a 9 mile walk around Loch Sherup and the Sherup Glen.
The walk started (and finished) at the Forestry Commission car park on the Muckhart to Gleneagles road. After a climb above Glensherup Reservoir along a forest track, the walk took a steeper climb through a forest ride, emerging into the open where, despite occasional heavy showers, magnificent views opened up to the south and east, from the Lomond Hills down to the Forth and Grangemouth. There was then a steady climb to Innerdownie, the first of three Donalds on this walk. The walk then continued over Whitewisp Hill and Tarmangie Hill, the other two Donalds. At this point a whole new vista to the northwest opened up with views right across to the Highland edge. The route now crossed the top of the valley and returned down the other side of the glen, passing by Scad Hill, and finally just before Ben Shee turned down to the bottom of the valley, along the side of the reservoir before crossing the dam and arriving back at the car park.
Most of the area covered by this walk is managed by the Woodland Trust, and it was good to see a new native woodland being established in the area around Ben Shee.