Annandale Way South to North

[JamesDunion]

Firstly why South to North when main report is North to South? Mainly because the prevailing SW wind would keep any bad weather on our backs. But also because we left our cars in Moffat at walked days 1 and 2 back to the vehicles.

Key advice picked up from previous Walkhighland reviews : Look for the metal gates! It works, if in doubt head for the metal gate as it will be on the route, guess the landowners must have persuaded someone to fit them as a condition of agreeing route.

Day 1 Newbie to Lockerbie I walked this Way when it first opened 10 years ago and walked via Lochmaben. [Ran the route North/South as a fund raiser for Annan running club many years ago in 6 1/2 hours but that's another story.] This time there was no accomodation available in or near Lochmaben (golf party had it all) but Lockerbie was not a bad choice anyway.

Supplies for picnic can be bought in Annan and Lockerbie / Lochmaben so we were able to carry light day bags for overnight stop, picking up fresh gear from cars in Moffat at end of day two.

Weather had been dry ahead of our start so easy walking across fields and along river bank. If you are walking in the rain then going can be heavy with mud worsened by farm animals.

We went wrong between Brydekirk and Hoddam as I didn't cross metal bridge over Mein Water, adding 1 1/2 miles on road via Hoddam Cross 😣
Enjoyed first picnic at Hoddam Castle golf course.
Met friendly locals who were always happy to stop and chat.
Stayed in Townhead Hotel, Lockerbie which was welcoming with good food and beer.

Day 2 Lockerbie to Moffat was easy walking along valley floor, although I never enjoy the road between Beattock and Moffat at the end of a long day. Beer in Black Bull cheered us up again! Stayed in Star Hotel which was comfortable if small ( claims to be narrowest hotel)

Day 3 Moffat to Annanhead circular We did this clockwise which was a good idea as we decended Devils Beef Tub rather than climbing it, although no rustled cattle found! Hill top would be heavy going in wet weather as peat bog. And you must be able to navigate if cloud low or poor weather as hills are featurless. Nice to only have 13 miles to finish off the walk and after a cup of tea, headed home in time for tea.