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 .