The idle ramblings of a wandering Scotsman
Walks of between 7 and 14 miles.
A circular walk that rises high above the Heatherhope Valley along an old drove road, taking in ancient standing stones and no less than three iron age hill forts, before descending to the valley floor to visit a picturesque reservoir.
Continue reading “Heatherhope Valley Circular”
The Minch Moor Road is one of the oldest in the Borders. Once a drove road between the Tweed and Yarrow valleys, it has found a new lease of life as a popular walking route as part of the Southern Upland Way. Journey along it to find a royal castle, imposing cairns and a hideout used by William Wallace.
Continue reading “The Minch Moor and the Three Brethren”
After an unsuccessful attempt last year in less pleasant weather, I set off on a sunny Easter Sunday in search once more of the elusive smuggler’s cave on Bewick Moor known as the Cateran Hole.
Continue reading “The Cateran Hole”
In the centre of Pitlochry, next to a pub, stands an old waterwheel. Several such wheels once stood along the Moulin burn, powering the various mills and machinery that operated in Pitlochry in days gone by. This walk follows the burn back towards its source on the lonely moors high above the town, and up to the summit of the mighty Ben Vrackie.
Continue reading “Ben Vrackie”
Venture into the Abbot’s Land and climb into the woodland above the River Tummel for spectacular views of Pitlochry and the hills of northern Perthshire.
Continue reading “The Clunie Path”
A word to describe this walk near Hawick could easily be “forgotten” — with ruined cottages, ancient settlements, a disused railway line and an abandoned military camp all to uncover, it’s certainly fitting. Find out about Scotland’s wartime history as you venture into the hills; you may be near one of the Borders’ largest towns, but the sense of isolation and tranquility is ever present.
Continue reading “Stobs Camp and Penchrise Pen”
A pleasant, unchallenging walk following the course of a former railway line between Eskbank and Penicuik, passing the remains of a medieval castle and historic mills.
Continue reading “The Eskbank to Penicuik Railway”
Journey into the Moorfoots from Broughton in the footsteps of John Buchan to enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Uplands. Then, take to the riverside to follow the course of a long forgotten railway.
A gentle walk along the riverside to a ruined castle with links to the story of Mary Queen of Scots before a steep climb to the site of an ancient hill fort and a hoard of Roman treasure.
Continue reading “Traprain Law”
The remote woodland of Craik Forest is nestled in the heart of the Southern Uplands. Follow the Aithouse Burn through the trees in a hidden glen to the stunning Wolfcleuch Waterfall, then climb up to the summit of Crib Law before descending along forest tracks to a second smaller waterfall.
Continue reading “Craik Forest”