Nineteen Strollers met in Earlston for a walk
around and up Black
Hill (1,030 feet). On the top you can still trace the concentric rings
of the British fort for which it was named. It is also said to be possible to
make out the remains of the cave-dwellings of the Votadini, the tribal
confederation in this part of Scotland.
We didn’t quite start at the usual 11.00 as
some Strollers experienced slight scheduling problems with the coffee shop and
the eternal question of ‘how long does it take to pour a coffee and make a
bacon butty?’ Obviously a long time when there is only one person serving.
It was time to walk up Speedy’s path to Cowdenknowes Mains and then follow the sign round to
Black Hill. No one seemed up for the old Doris Day song as the hill
seemed a lot steeper than was suggested and people were too busy trying to
breathe. It was also a bit worrying that the buzzards kept circling above us as
we walked! The views however got better as we climbed up the hill.
Reaching a spot for a lunch break the
‘fitter’ Strollers continued to the top of the hill and the magnificent views
of the borders. Looking north down on Earlston; to the south-east Ruberslaw
(Denholm); to the south Peniel Heugh (Ancrum) and to the south-west, the Eildon
Hills at Melrose, with the Big Cheviot and the hills around Peebles in the
distance. In total a view of around 1,200 square miles of The Borders. As well
as being able to see the rain clouds in the distance! Would we beat them down?
Next we headed back down and followed the
path through the farm and down the road to the new High School then back to
Earlston. And, yes, our leader Moira lived up to her nickname of ‘Muddy’ as the
path at the end of the walk had turned into a swimming pool in sections. We
knew it had been too good up till then.
In Earlston, it was time to thank ‘Muddy’
Moira for a very energetic walk, but worth it for the views, and head off for a
tea/coffee but avoiding the coffee shop from the morning.
Look forward to seeing you on the next
walk.
