LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

I parked in the car park opposite Melrose Abbey, £1 for up to 4 hours. I had visited Priorwood Garden NTS before, a walk with Sylvia, Tracey and Tom who travelled back to Seahouses while we walked. From the car park and Abbey we walked past 25p per person toilets to Market Cross and uphill, under by-pass and gap between houses to Eildon Hills. We spoke to a French couple cleaning their boots on a scraper and brushes by the bridge at the start of the steep ascent straight to the summit of the North Hill. There were excellent views over Melrose to Galashiels during the slow ascent. Abbey ruins were visible at all times, even on the summit. The path was muddy from '5' to '6' and return, continuing on to '9'. After '5' care was needed to  choose the correct path, with many paths in all directions. There were many gorse bushes on the hills, so it's not recommended to stray from the good paths. Other walkers could be seen dotted over the three hills as it was a popular walking area. The North Hill was a typical 'fort' hill with a good area of land at the summit. I took photos on top before a steady descent, returning to '5' and onto '9' through the tall and dense gorse bushes. Point '9' was reached at a line of coniferous trees down the hillside. The path led to a track between trees down to Old Road at '10'. It was a typical autumn scene with golden leaves of trees and track. At the side of the road at '10' was an information table which described how Thomas the Rhymer fell asleep and awoke to see a shining lady on a dappled grey horse - oh yes. We continued down the lane to the 'by-pass' road. I recommend using the underpass. There was a complicated series of gates to enable cattle and pedestrians to use the underpass at the same time. We continued under an old railway bridge to Newstead. If possible take time to explore the oldest village in Scotland. In the garden of a house opposite the Newstead information board was a deep red tree.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk
Melrose

Care is required at the road junction before '12'.