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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOODDerek Harwood's Walking Records If you have any queries about the pictures or descriptions e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com | |||||
Lands End to John o'Groats 'Fill-in Path'
Hiltonshill to Newtown St Boswells   St Cuthbert's Way Thursday 18th May 2017 ....................................Walk No. 1146 |
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Lands End to John o'Groats Fill-in No. 25 Total 180.00 miles Time Taken: 4:25 hrs Distance: Enjoyment: Weather: Bright 10:00 am - 14:00 pm 6.00 miles 90% and sunny periods Temp: Cloud: Rain: Visibility: Ground Conditions: Nature: 15oC 60% 0% Bright Excellent Sheep, cattle, ducklings Total AA: Total MH: Total LD: Total AW: Other: Total Distance: 1122.0 mls 976.0 mls 3459.5 mls 174.5 mls 1986.0 mls 7718.0 miles Companions: (Derek) Points of Interest and LINKS: Lands End to John of Groats Hiltonshill St Cuthberts Way Maxton Village Maxton Church Mertoun Bridge St Boswells Golf Club St Boswells Newtown St BoswellsDescription:
I parked the car at Hiltonshill by the side of the road in a lane. This brought back memories of parking the car in the same spot when I completed the previous section of St Cuthbert's Way on 14 September 2016 - see Walk No. 1136. There were no problems this time as I parked with extreme caution. It was easy walking along a very quiet lane to Maxton Village, past many bright yellow fields of rape seed oil plants. Views were beautiful in the lovely warm sunshine, especially with the Eildon Hills in the distance. I crossed the old railway track bed just before Maxton, which was easy for me to imagine the old steam trains passing under the bridge, with the engine smoke engulfing me before slowly dispersing. Care was required at the main road A699, especially when crossing to the lane of 'St Cuthbert's Way' to the church, where wild flowers were seen on the edges of the lane. Signs were good en route showing the official route of the 'Way.' It was good to see and read about the old Maxton Church on the information board. I didn't visit the church due to lack of time (a long day travelling from home) but it would always be worthwhile if time allowed. Rounding the church I entered the wood where the first of many board walks made the journey much easier, especially the steps up and down the steep-sided banks of the outside curve of the river. However, the elevation provided fine views of the unspoilt river in the Tweed Valley, which was a paradise for fly fishermen, and I'm sure the few ladies who also like to enjoy the thrill of the sport as well as the calm and peaceful surroundings. I met a walking couple near Fens Farm who were interesting to chat to. They recommended I continue walking the Southern Uplands Way to the North Sea coast, then walk the coastal paths around to Edinburgh. That was a great suggestion, but how much holiday can a retired person have each year? Answers on a postcard please to the Prime Minister. On second thoughts, don't bother as us old uns will be taxed even more. I continued around the bend to the left to the picturesque Mertoun Bridge, a popular location for fly fishing, near the mill. Further round the bend I was amazed to see Mrs duck and her eight young ducklings, frantically swimming up-stream. Next, I passed the almost deserted St Boswells golf course which was surprising on a lovely sunny day. From the golf course it was a steep ascent to the village of St Boswells. There were more alleyways to the river bank and more board walks around the steep side of the river bank. Another descent followed, through the woods down to river level and more river bends to the suspension bridge across the river at Tweed Horizons. It was a steep ascent from the bridge (which shouldn't be crossed) to excellent views of the river and the Eildon Hills. There the 'Way' leaves the river and heads for the village, Newtown St Boswells, then up the valley of Bowden Burn, under the A68 by-pass road to the village and the B6340, the old road through the village, at Baillie Hall by Cook's Van Hire. It was a short walk up the B6340 to the shops and the bus stop, where I caught the Bus 51 back to the car at Hiltonshill. It had been a near perfect walk along the River Tweed.
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Derek Harwood: Copyright 2009 Revised: January 2022 |