But then, as it tends to do so often, Scotland's weather decided to spring another season on us. Temperatures dropped, snow fell, and Munro-bagging seemed even less likely. Those lessons learned from Meall nan Tarmachan were still fresh in my mind, and I didn't want to get halfway up another snow-covered mountain only to have to turn back again. And so a new plan was hatched...
Good Friday took us down to the beautiful Borders, for a pleasant amble on the Borders Abbeys Way. Good research for me, and a good celebration of my first ever bank holiday off work. Myself, Dave and Gibson left the car in Melrose and took a ride with my mum and dad to St Boswells, where we parked up and started our walk. We started out through the pretty village, and then down to the wee 9 hole golf course.
We walked alongside the golf course, with quite a few golfers out there, and followed the river Tweed along. We had to come up to the road and cross over the river, but fortunately the road wasn't busy. We then walked up through the delightful village of Clintmains, where I can but dream of living one day...here's where I'd fill my tractor up:
The path then took us back down alongside the Tweed, but on the other side. It was only a couple of miles to Dryburgh, and it was pleasant, easy walking. At that moment it was dry, and the views of the Eildons were simply getting better with each step.
We reached Dryburgh and its Abbey, and continued to the Temple of the Muses for a spot of lunch beside the Tweed. An Easter-themed lunch of course, with hot cross buns and chocolate eggs. But yet again the weather had other ideas, and we were soon moved on by the rain. Again over the Tweed, and up to a lovely viewpoint:
We kept ambling, and most of my energy was spent taking my jacket off, and putting it back on again. And taking it off. It was warm, then chilly, then warm once more. The rain was sporadic, and never heavy. The skies were mostly grey and cloudy, but the Borders looks good whatever the weather.
The path then took us through Newtown St Boswells, which is perhaps slightly lacking in charm in comparison to its older counterpart. We did watch a very skillful piece of driving through the narrow streets:
There was a bit more road walking to be done here, and the old road out of Newtown St Boswells (used before they built the main road) was very hilly. Up we went, and back down again. But because the road is closed now, it was nice to be able to stroll without having to worry about cars. Again, the Eildons were looking great and spring was attempting to get through the changes in weather. A field of oil seed rape was beginning to turn yellow, a sure sign that May is fast approaching...
We passed the stone commemorating Thomas the Rhymer, who fell asleep under a tree and awoke to find the Queen of the Faeries upon a grey horse. She led him to Faerieland, where he thought he had stayed only 3 days...but it had been seven years! When he left he was given the gift of speaking the truth (not rare for a Borders man mind) and he went on to correctly prophecise the death of two kings, and the building of a bridge over the Tweed. There were no sightings of the Faerie Queen for us, but Melrose was not far away...
No Faerie Queens, but perhaps we found her noble stead:
After a wee chat with our new four-legged friend, we continued towards Melrose, which we could see in the distance. Our backpacks and boots must have given us away; when we passed a local chap he asked in his endearing Borders twang: "Ye been fir hike?" And from there Melrose was just a few paces away.
What a lovely end to a walk:
If you haven't visited Dalgettys' new sit-in tearoom yet - get there as soon as you can. Melrose was busy; already setting up for the Sevens next weekend. Rugby, an Abbey, delicious tarts...Melrose has got it all.
Thoroughly enjoyed our wee amble on the Borders Abbeys Way, and I look forward to doing the rest of it sometime...
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