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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD


Derek 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

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 Boswells
Description:
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.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: Hiltonshill. Finish: Newton St Boswells.

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