Cross Borders Drove Road

I caught the BusTrainBus to Hawick from where I set off running north following this ancient route over the fields and far away.

The weather was kind in the morning with blustery blue skies interspersed with brief snow flurries. I reached Traquair after 30km where my friendly local resident had provided an outdoor tap for me to use. Then I made the wrong decision. My final destination was Peebles, I could stay on the trail over some high ground, or, could follow the much easier and safer cycle track near the Tweed.

Looking up to the hills it was still clear. I chose that route.

Within 30mins I was regretting it as the skies darkened, the wind strengthened and down came the snow. For a good few kms I was battling across some hard terrain, all too aware of my precarious situation. I hid in the shelter of an old dry stane dyke to inform Mrs AB via text msg of my location as the snow battered past.

The pic above was taken just as the route began to deteriorate. I was heading for the edge of the forestry in the distance where I encountered some deep snow drifts which made things more challenging. I lost the feeling in my feet.

I splashed onto the tarmac of Peebles with my tail between my legs. Enjoyed that first pint!
48km.