A fantastic walk

Ailie and I decided to take advantage of the weather forecast which promised dry weather till 2 after which thunderstorms were being warned.

I had suggested we attempt the climb up to the Border Ridge and into Scotland at Windy Gyle. We were both a bit apprehensive as there’s a lot of climbing - 0ver 1800 ft and with all the rain we’ve had, lots of bog and peat hags as well as a distance of 9 miles.

We drove up the valley to the Trows road end - no other cars parked up today and the red flag was out on the other side of the Coquet to warn us that the army was on manoeuvres on the Otterburn firing range. But we were on the safe side.

We both took it easy and really enjoyed it. We didn’t see the wild goats which live in that area. We had a break for coffee and cake after 2 hours
of climbing north on the Street, an old drove road, an ancient track into Scotland, when we reached the Pennine Way then continued north east on that track. We had another 1.5 miles of steep climbing to reach the gate into Scotland and the eroded track which took us to Russell’s Cairn. The top! The sun was still shining, the cotton grass was wafting gently in the light breeze and the light and shade on the Scottish hills below was so beautiful. While we were having our sandwich a man arrived - he was on the last leg of the 268 mile trek from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland. His rucksack was small yet held his tent. He thought he’d not make it today and would camp out tonight at the shelter at Auchope Cairn then finish tomorrow.

Refreshed, we headed back to England - we could see a rain shower down in the valley. After a boggy steepish start the path became a lovely grassy stroll of 2 miles down to the road before reaching the Coquet and the car. We were weary on the last half mile, the tar road feeling hot on the feet but we did feel pleased with our achievement.