Biggar Ramblers members had a very enjoyable walk in the spring sunshine on Wednesday the 28th of April.

Included in the 14 participants, the Ramblers were happy to welcome back members from the Borders now that Covid19 regulations allow.This was a 2 part walk, the main walk being 5 1/2 mile circuit from Garrion Bridge to the ruin of Cambunesthan Priory. The first part of the walk took the group past woodlands which abounded with bluebells.Whilst admiring these a pair of deer were spotted grazing not far from the path. On reaching the Priory they were given some historical background information before examining the remains of the WW2 Nisan Hut which is quite well hidden nearby.

A tea break beside the ruin allowed time to appreciate the old building, then the walkers proceeded through farmland, down towards the Clyde for the return path back to Garrion Bridges garden centre for refreshments.

The second part of the walk was a short but challenging climb up from Sandiholms garden centre to the Threepwood caves. The stone excavated from the caves are reputed to have been used to build Hamilton Palace. Five Ramblers scrambled and climbed over and under the many fallen trees to visit the caves which all agreed were well worth it.

 On Saturday 24th April Broughton Coomb and the Glenlood hills were the destination for nine members of the Biggar ramblers. They started at the end of Glenholm.

Release from lockdown and glorious weather made this a most memorable walk reminding all those present of the splendours of the Southern Uplands. Although at first sight barren they were rewarded with several sightings of newly returned migrant Wheatears, an abundance of Meadow pipits and occasional Skylarks.

The highlights though were Common Lizards sighted on three separate occasions sunning themselves in the heather! Who would have thought such an abundance of wildlife was supported by our ' barren landscape'.

Encroaching wind farms detracted from the stunning views and an extensive planting of Spruce is also planned in this remote valley.

 Biggar Ramblers walk on 8th April was Coulter Mast Circular, an easy track of 5 miles. The start from the metal bridge at Coulter follows a gradual slope up to the Mast with good views over Tinto. It then heads downhill via Unthank Farm to the main road, where it goes along to Nether Hangingshaw. From there the route is level along estate tracks towards Coulter Mains, following good grass tracks along the back estate of the  fields towards Coulter. These tracks are lined with trees, old and new. Some only remain as stumps next to new planting. At the end of the tracks the route meets the old road along the back of Coulter village and comes out at Coulter Mill. Fortunately, the weather forecast for 'strong winds and rain' turned out to be less severe than expected! Ramblers completed the circle via the Mill Lade path, offering a gentle meander along Coulter Water back to the cars.

 On 25^th March, Biggar Ramblers set out on a short walk up and over Shaw Hill, a hill climb to 370 metres. The route up started from the Nisbet side with grand views over to Cardon Hill and Coulter Fell. Over the top of Shaw Hill there are views towards Tinto and Biggar. To reach the look-out point for the coffee break the route doubled back through a tree tunnel for views up the valleys to Cardon and Coulter Fell. Much refreshed, but braced by the winds, the group took a steep path down through the trees to join a track through the woodlands to the Church. 

The marks of bike paths crossing this track from the uphill side indicate the challenging descents that the cyclists have developed. Most visitors start from this woodland side of the hill, where, helpfully, there are two signs: the first says ‘Walkers! Please be aware of incoming cyclists. Thank You’ and the second ‘Cyclists! Please give way to passing walkers and dogs. Thank You’. Very wise! 

After reaching the Church, the group passed the Commonwealth War Graves and headed along the road to Keepers Cottage to take the ‘Chinese Walk’ for a pleasant meander along Coulter Water back to the cars.  

The gloomy weather and strong winds discouraged lingering, but the good mix of open views and sheltered paths through the trees made for an enjoyable walk. 

 Due to the recent announcement by the Scottish Government that outdoor sporting activities involving up to 15 people can resume, Biggar Ramblers wasted no time in arranging their first outing since this last period of lockdown began.

On Saturday, 20th March members of the group enjoyed some spring sunshine on a circular eight mile walk through the Carmichael estate. 

This was a low level, varied walk, taking in beautiful woodland, open fields, some agricultural vistas and the two impressive ruins of Eastend and Carmichael House. Passing through the village of Carmichael a well earned lunch stop was taken in the grounds of the villages church and the ancient graveyard.

Along the route the Ramblers saw a herd of deer which are farmed on the Estate and the first of the lambs of the year were also spotted as well as an abundance of snowdrops, a sure sign of better days ahead.

This was an enjoyable walk and COVID-19 guidelines were adhered to throughout.