The Trimontium challenge!

We sold our day out to the boys by telling them it was a challenge and they’d have to be tough to make it.

We drove to Bowden via Carter Bar for the start of the walk up the Eildons- (they are top left of collage) Trimontium to the Romans who had a camp there. The last time we did them all was at least 15 years ago when we took the walking group so we’d forgotten how steep it all was. I suppose in our 60s it didn’t seem steep but I certainly felt it today.

We parked up at Bowden near where Mr C lived as a boy. The boys ate some of their packed lunch. The path took us through a play park and field before we reached the woods for a pull up to the open hill for the first, most westerly one. We went round the back but the path was narrow through high heather. (Middle top reaching the summit)

From there they could see the steep south face of the middle one (middle photo) and fancied that direct route but we had to explain we’d only manage the easier east slope. It’s quite a nice walk to reach that side but oh the steep path up was crippling for my knees. (Bottom left) James came back to check on me and was very encouraging as he told me that it eased off quite soon. I found it really tough but we made it. (Top right boys on trig point) On the way down I had to sit on my bum and ease myself over the few feet of steep scramble with its loose stones and mud.

The last one was the easiest as the climb was more gradual but by then I was ready for a rest (we’d not stopped as Mr C said the wind was too cold and the boys were too keen to get on) but I made it. A quick photo (bottom tight, showing the other two behind the boys) and down out of the wind to stuff in the half sandwich I’d kept. The boys were so sensible and waited at the junction where St Cuthbert’s Way came up from Melrose. We took that path down the other side back to Bowden though we were all a bit weary and found the last mile through the woods a slog. We discussed time travel options.

From the third Eildon we saw Melrose Abbey so had a conversation with the boys about dissolution of the monasteries, Henry VIII, the power of the monarchs and how it changed, the fact the English Civil War took place in Scotland and Ireland too. Then it went back to One Piece. They were able to explain the difference between that, anime and manga. I think I just about understand.

They slept all the way back- we went via Kelso so it was 1.5 hours home.

Stopped at Co-op for popcorn for movie night and I made a quick tea of eggy bread, black pudding and beans.

I can’t decide whether to have a bath or a large gin.

It was only just over 5 miles but over 18,000 steps with ascent of 1537 ft.