Two Adventurous walks with Lesley Potter-Laidlaw
The John Buchan Way- Thursday 12th July- 13miles-SB+
The Biggar Ramblers walk started in the lovely, busy town of Peebles which was built around the River Tweed as it flows through the Scottish Borders.
The 9 ramblers walked past the hundred year old Oak tree on the roundabout in the town to pick up the well waymarked route of the John Buchan Way.
The 13 miles route is named after John Buchan (1875-1940), a writer and diplomat who has many associations with the area. One of the most famous books was The 39 Steps.
The trail takes the ramblers from Peebles to Broughton and is split into two distinct sections with Stobo being the halfway point.
The path headed out into the hillside and gave some cracking views back over the town and beyond. Reaching Cademuir Hill and it's Iron Age fort brought surprising views eventually resulting in a quite stunning panorama of surrounding hills.
The route contoured gently around the hillside on a quiet and attractive path past the scots pine forests under-going deforestation leading to the road in Manor Valley. From here the walkers followed the route and crossed the bridge to Stobo.
Crossing the road the walkers gradually built up height again and once through the evergreen wooded area they got their first views of the Broughton Heights. These hills are just crying out ''walk me'' and there looks to be an impressive circuit born out by the fact that this area seems to be the most popular for walkers on this way, also this place has a great feeling of remoteness to it even though Broughton is just over 2 miles away over the brow of the hill.
The Biggar Ramblers had a great days walk with plenty of variety, the weather was gorgeous which made the walk a wee cracker
Leadhills- 10mi.- SB+
From the small lead-mining village of Leadhills sitting in the heart of the Lowther Hills the Biggar Ramblers meet up for another good long hard walk of 10miles.
The walk was to take them across the high undulating ridge from the 'Golf Ball' sitting on Lowther Hill at 725 mts, then along Green Trough ( 710mts) and Green Lowther ( 732mts) where the walkers too a well earned rest and had their lunch. The weather walking up to Lowther Hill had been very misty with a few light showers but once reaching the top to start walking the ridge the sun had broken through and while they had their lunch on the highest tp they were rewarded with 360 degrees of spectacular views. Arran was pointed out in the far distance as was Ben Lomand.
The group of 7 ramblers would have been happy to stay sitting in the warm sunshine their tummies full and enjoying the views and peace but continue they must.
The next 'tops' on the ridge are Peden Hill (691 mts) and Dungrain Law (669mts) then dropping down slightly they traversed around the side of Dun Law which allowed the walkers to walk up to their last hill Glen Ea's (549mts).
Now the walkers could make out their route in the distance which would take them back to the start in Leadhills. This was along the track of the old dismantled Victorian Railway but to get to there they would have to cross a ford on the Elvan Waters and the scramble up a short hill of grass and heather to reach that track. On reaching the ford the group of walkers found the water too high so they each had to find a shallow place to cross over large stones and shingle which were covered in slimy green moss. To help with their crossing they used their walking poles to balance. No one slipped in but they all got wet feet, then it was just a case of getting up the bank and a level walk back to the village.
It was a long day and everyone was feeling hot and tired, but had a brilliant walk. Not easily forgotten, certainly not boring. Ready for the next one? Join Biggar Ramblers.
Thursday, 21 July 2016
Cademuir Forest Circular-6.5mi. -SC+-
Walk Leader: G. Bakker
10 walkers gathered at the Kingsmeadow Car Park, Peebles for a local 6.5 mile walk around Cademuir Plantation. The walk started across Victoria Park and through Jubilee Wood via The Cut to Bonnington Farm. A short distance on the Bonnington Road took them up to the car park at the Cademuir Forest that is fast disappearing through tree felling. A descent from the forest took them to join the John Buchan Way northwards along the Whaum around Cademuir Hill. Before reaching Tantah they turned northwards along the edge of a plantation and then into the shelter of the Morning Hill Wood above Old Manor Bridge and a pause for lunch. They returned via Southpark along the Tweed to the car park.
Milngavie- part of the West Highland Way-9mi.-SC+-
walk leader: I MacDonald
Six walkers caught the train from Chatelherault to Milngavie to follow the route of the start of the WHW along Allander Water, skirting the edge of Mugdock Park to join the road leading uphill to the forest entrance. From there through an area of felled trees and mixed woodland to the Gowk Stane ( left by retreating glaciers. The lunch stop beyond was above Blane Valley with views of the Cobbler, Ben Lomond and Dumgoyne.The walk continued downhill to meet the A81 at Strathblane. Across to the War Memorial and Campsie Dene Road which follows the line of the original Victorian water pipes from Loch Katrine with several inspection points. It was here that time was running out and instead of turning down to Glengoyne Distillery the group continued to Killearn Village and took the bus back to Milngavie in time for the return journey by train. A long day with return by 7.00p.m.
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Red Bing, Peat Pond and forest walk- Walk Leader-Agnes Gracie-4 miles,SC
On the 2nd of June 15 walkers left Forth Sports Centre and walked towards Heathland Forrest and The Red Bing where some of the more adventurous climbed to the top and were rewarded with great views of Black Mount and the surrounding area. We then crossed the busy A702 heading towards the derelict building that was the old store that served the community of Wilsontown Ironworks. After crossing the river Moose we passed the old Forkens mine before heading to the peat pond. Unfortunately we were disappointed as there were no dragonflies to be seen except the pattern on Cathy's socks. After passing through the iron gates we continued through Wilsontown before heading back to Forth for tea and scones.
Dollar Law- Walk Leader Brian Henry-10 miles, SB+
Five of Biggar Ramblers set out on Sunday 12th June to walk the hills at the head of the Manor Valley. Starting at Kirkhope Cottage the group walked on the road to turn off into the path to Megget Reservoir. Passing locations with names of Redsike Head and Foulbrig the highest point of the path was reached and then it was through the heather and peat hags to reach the top of Greenside Law at 643m (2,110 feet). Crossing over to the other side the group reached the track which links to Thief's Road that has its start in the Pentland Hills. Following this track passing Notman Law and Fifescar Knowe the summit of Dollar Law was found to be in cloud with no views to be seen. Dollar Law is the highest hill in the Scottish Borders region at 817m (2680 feet) but is only classed as a Donald as it does not meet the criteria for a Graham or Corbett. The descent was northwards towards the Manor Valley passing the St. Gordian's cross on the way and returning to Kirkhope Cottage.
On the 2nd of June 15 walkers left Forth Sports Centre and walked towards Heathland Forrest and The Red Bing where some of the more adventurous climbed to the top and were rewarded with great views of Black Mount and the surrounding area. We then crossed the busy A702 heading towards the derelict building that was the old store that served the community of Wilsontown Ironworks. After crossing the river Moose we passed the old Forkens mine before heading to the peat pond. Unfortunately we were disappointed as there were no dragonflies to be seen except the pattern on Cathy's socks. After passing through the iron gates we continued through Wilsontown before heading back to Forth for tea and scones.
Dollar Law- Walk Leader Brian Henry-10 miles, SB+
Five of Biggar Ramblers set out on Sunday 12th June to walk the hills at the head of the Manor Valley. Starting at Kirkhope Cottage the group walked on the road to turn off into the path to Megget Reservoir. Passing locations with names of Redsike Head and Foulbrig the highest point of the path was reached and then it was through the heather and peat hags to reach the top of Greenside Law at 643m (2,110 feet). Crossing over to the other side the group reached the track which links to Thief's Road that has its start in the Pentland Hills. Following this track passing Notman Law and Fifescar Knowe the summit of Dollar Law was found to be in cloud with no views to be seen. Dollar Law is the highest hill in the Scottish Borders region at 817m (2680 feet) but is only classed as a Donald as it does not meet the criteria for a Graham or Corbett. The descent was northwards towards the Manor Valley passing the St. Gordian's cross on the way and returning to Kirkhope Cottage.
Monday, 30 May 2016
Lesmahagow Village Walk, Wednesday 18th May 2016, 4miles, SD
Walk leader: Marion Macmillan
The last walk on the current programme for Biggar Ramblers took place on 18th May. Rain threatened as the walkers left Glebe Car Park and crossed a bridge over the Nethan, from where they walked along the old railway line, this affording fine views of the village. There was a lovely carpet of spring flowers on either side of the path. On crossing the road, the walkers made their way down the glen and arrived at a meadow, at one time the site of the Lesmahagow Show. Birkwood House could be seen through the trees and the old kitchen garden was pointed out. The Nethan was again crossed by a footbridge and a path uphill beside a small burn brought the party on to New Trows Road. A left turn took the walkers up by the Garngour, with lovely views of the village from the opposite side, and thence back to the village for sustenance at the local hostelry, from whence the return to the car park was by McKirdy Park and along the River Nethan.
Uamh Bheag and Beinn nan Eun , Saturday 14th may 2016, 10miles, SB+
Walk Leader: Brian Henry
One of the final walks on the Biggar Ramblers spring program was the three 2,000ft hills of Glen Artney in Perthshire. On the beautiful day that 14th May turned out to be 4 of the regular ramblers met near the Auchnashelloch church in Glen Artney. Brian led the small group on a gentle stroll westwards along the road to the Water of Ruchill bridge and then turned up beside the river and then up the course of Allt Ollach. A convenient bridge led to the base of Am Beannan which was a challenge under even these good conditions; but all the way up the views into the highlands improved with Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers coming into view and then Stuc a'Chroin and Ben Vorlich appearing which became a constant scene throughout the walk.
Before the first 2,000 foot summit was reached lunch was a relaxed affair in the shelter of Meall Clachach. Then the summit of Uamh Bheag was reached with everybody smiling at the 'face' on the old fence post -Bart is still in good condition considering his exposure. Then it was into the land of the peat hags. The deepest found which could only be walked around was over 12 feet deep. Thereafter it was a case of walking around, but mostly into the peat hags as the dry conditions made them easily passable without sinking deep. Up and over Beinn Odhar led to a change in the ground conditions. The erosion of the peat hags was such that the base was either tufted grass or stony making walking easy. The ascent to the final summit of Beinn nan Uen was in a peat hag which acted as a tunnel all the way to the summit. From the summit the walk took the group out of the peat hags, sighting a herd of red deer and several red kites circling above, down into the Finghu Glen and back to the church car park.
Spring Flowers Walk, Thursday 15th May 2016
Walk Leader: Pam Hart
15 Ramblers followed the path from Kingsmeadow car park on the south side of Peebles, crossing the bridge over the River Tweed on to the north bank of the river, past the weir and on towards Neidpath Castle. After passing below the spectacular castle, the river was crossed again by Manor bridge, on to the south bank, through some woodland and back to the car park. This was a short walk to appreciate spring flowers such as bluebells, wood anemones, march marigolds, dog's mercury and butterbur. Goosander and mallard floated serenely past, black headed gulls courted noisily in flight while sand martins busily dug out their burrows in the river bank. Willow warblers, robins and wrens sang from hidden branches, all adding up to a delightful walk in spring sunshine
Walk leader: Marion Macmillan
The last walk on the current programme for Biggar Ramblers took place on 18th May. Rain threatened as the walkers left Glebe Car Park and crossed a bridge over the Nethan, from where they walked along the old railway line, this affording fine views of the village. There was a lovely carpet of spring flowers on either side of the path. On crossing the road, the walkers made their way down the glen and arrived at a meadow, at one time the site of the Lesmahagow Show. Birkwood House could be seen through the trees and the old kitchen garden was pointed out. The Nethan was again crossed by a footbridge and a path uphill beside a small burn brought the party on to New Trows Road. A left turn took the walkers up by the Garngour, with lovely views of the village from the opposite side, and thence back to the village for sustenance at the local hostelry, from whence the return to the car park was by McKirdy Park and along the River Nethan.
Uamh Bheag and Beinn nan Eun , Saturday 14th may 2016, 10miles, SB+
Walk Leader: Brian Henry
One of the final walks on the Biggar Ramblers spring program was the three 2,000ft hills of Glen Artney in Perthshire. On the beautiful day that 14th May turned out to be 4 of the regular ramblers met near the Auchnashelloch church in Glen Artney. Brian led the small group on a gentle stroll westwards along the road to the Water of Ruchill bridge and then turned up beside the river and then up the course of Allt Ollach. A convenient bridge led to the base of Am Beannan which was a challenge under even these good conditions; but all the way up the views into the highlands improved with Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers coming into view and then Stuc a'Chroin and Ben Vorlich appearing which became a constant scene throughout the walk.
Before the first 2,000 foot summit was reached lunch was a relaxed affair in the shelter of Meall Clachach. Then the summit of Uamh Bheag was reached with everybody smiling at the 'face' on the old fence post -Bart is still in good condition considering his exposure. Then it was into the land of the peat hags. The deepest found which could only be walked around was over 12 feet deep. Thereafter it was a case of walking around, but mostly into the peat hags as the dry conditions made them easily passable without sinking deep. Up and over Beinn Odhar led to a change in the ground conditions. The erosion of the peat hags was such that the base was either tufted grass or stony making walking easy. The ascent to the final summit of Beinn nan Uen was in a peat hag which acted as a tunnel all the way to the summit. From the summit the walk took the group out of the peat hags, sighting a herd of red deer and several red kites circling above, down into the Finghu Glen and back to the church car park.
Spring Flowers Walk, Thursday 15th May 2016
Walk Leader: Pam Hart
15 Ramblers followed the path from Kingsmeadow car park on the south side of Peebles, crossing the bridge over the River Tweed on to the north bank of the river, past the weir and on towards Neidpath Castle. After passing below the spectacular castle, the river was crossed again by Manor bridge, on to the south bank, through some woodland and back to the car park. This was a short walk to appreciate spring flowers such as bluebells, wood anemones, march marigolds, dog's mercury and butterbur. Goosander and mallard floated serenely past, black headed gulls courted noisily in flight while sand martins busily dug out their burrows in the river bank. Willow warblers, robins and wrens sang from hidden branches, all adding up to a delightful walk in spring sunshine
Sunday, 1 May 2016
The Three Brethren, Sunday 1st May 2016, Led by Lesley Glidden
On a wet Sunday morning 12 Ramblers headed for Selkirk where it was a little coludy but dry, to the Three Brethren. We stared the walk at the Corbie Linn car park near Philiphaugh and headed uphill through wooded areas and fields. There was plenty of birdsong on the way, one ramblers claims he spotted a Goldcrest. Arriving at Tibby Tamson's grave we heard the sad story of Tibby who lived in Selkirk in the 1700's. Tibby stole some yarn and was so distressed she hung herself and could not be buried in consecrated ground, some kind village people took pity on her and buried her on the hill where her grave stone still stands with an interesting inscription. Shelter was found here and lunch was taken nearby. Afterwards the walkers headed to the reservoir and on up the hill- The Three Brethren Cairns looming above. There were many cyclists there taking part in the Orbea Borders Bike Festival. Some where in the Raid 50K and others in the Marathon a two part race of 50K+75K. It was very windy at the Brethren. These are three nine foot cairns, erected at the start of the 16 century by the Lairds of Yair, Selkirk and Philiphaugh to mark the boundary of their land. The views were spectacular in all directions, as they were throughout the walk. Heading downhill was eventful! Brian, the back marker blew his whistle to warn of muddy, speeding cyclists coming from behind. The walkers kept well out of their way, and retired safely at the end of the walk to the Waterwheel cafe for well derseved refreshments. An excellent 8 mile walk.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)