Another Borders visit

[Fife Flyer]

This was my second attempt at tackling the Dun Rig horseshoe, the first attempt was last year when I thought I would see how good our public transport is. I had just got my bus pass so a bus trip to Peebles seemed like a good idea
I must explain that the number of bus trips I have undertaken over the last 30 years I can count on one hand and probably have a few spare fingers So not being very familiar with bus stops and the large vehicles that use them, the day didn't start off very well. I went to the wrong bus stop in Inverkeithing (diversion due to road works), that was soon rectified and I was on the bus to Edinburgh. Next problem the bus broke down at the Park & Ride, all the passengers had to get off and wait for the next bus. Because I was on a tight time schedule, my chance of completing Dun Rig had already been snookered - however I decided to continue the journey to Peebles. It wasn't too bad a journey and it gave me a chance to wander through Peebles and find the start of the walk.

So onto today, there were no takers to join me so I had no set time plan for a change, I knew the main problem would be battling with the commuters who trek into Edinburgh every day. Left home just before 8am and managed to make Peebles just before 9am, which I thought was pretty good
Parked in the layby at the start point and set off down the very muddy track, I was hoping this wasn't a sign of what lay ahead and things turned out pretty well, mainly because of the sharpish overnight frost

Rather muddy

Substantial bridge over the burn

Good track uphill

Looking back towards Peebles

Peebles Hydro

Once across the burn it is a matter of following the path uphill and it isn't too long before the views start to improve in all directions.



The first of numerous hills, humps and bumps along the walk was Kailzie Hill, I opted to give it a bodyswerve and took the bypass path The next hill along the main path was Kirkhope Law at 537m.

Didn't touch a stone



The wall suddenly stops

A bit quicker than me



Kirkhope Law cairn

Looking back towards Peebles again

The way ahead from Kirkhope Law

It took me just over an hour to reach Kirkhope, a quick stop for a few photo's then it was onwards and downwards initially.

Tiny neat wooded areas

Looking back

The next and first of the Donalds on the walk was reached Birkscairn Hill 661m.

Birkscairn Hill cairn

The way ahead - fence to negotiate

After Birkscairn Hill the ground was quite firm and there were a few patches of snow, the next port of call was to be Dun Rig, the highest point of the day.

Peat hags, luckily nice and firm



Follow the fence



Dun Rig trig 744m

The way up, follow the fence

After Dun Rig there is a large uneven area of boggy ground to cross, which in the clag would make navigating challenging. After the uneven ground there is an obvious path taking you uphill with the next hill being Glenrath Heights 645m (Donald).

Glenrath Heights small cairn

After Glenrath Heights there is an obvious path to follow which takes you to Broom Hill, the next stage was the toughest section of the day by far The next Donald is Stob Law, the problem is although Stob Law isn't far distance wise there is a descent of about 100m, then about the same ascent on the other side

Looking north from Broom Hill

Looking across to Stob Law

Stob Law cairn, probably the smallest in Scotland

The descent off Broom Hill was easy, I opted to leave my rucksack at the bottom known as Door Hass, had a quick drink and headed uphill. The path follows the fence and once I reached the rounded top it was a matter of trying to find the highest point. A few photo's and it was time to be reunited with my rucksack, then the last major uphill section. I had to stop quite a few times and the top didn't seem to be getting any nearer

The descent/ascent off Stob Law, doesn't look too bad in the photo

If you look carefully you may spot my rucksack

Once I nearly reached the higher ground near Broom Hill I opted to try and take a short cut, not sure it was such a good idea as the terrain was peat haggy and not ideal, however I could see the fence where I knew the main path was, so it was just a matter of picking the best way.

Pile of stones

Trig on Hundleshope Heights

Peebles Hydro zoomed

After Hundleshope Heights it was a matter of trying to pick the right track/path that would take me down, although you can see Peebles in the distance there are plenty of tracks that could easily take you in the wrong direction.

The way down

Tin pyramid, any idea what it is used for?

Peebles getting nearer

Old settlement

Shortly after the old settlement a wall and line of trees is reached, this is the descent point down into Glensax. The descent is quite steep on a short grassy slope. Once on the track the walk back to the start is a scoosh.

The track through Glensax

Haystoun Loch, long beech hedge



Snowdrops

After just under 6 hours I arrived back at the car, a cracking walk in favourable conditions.
My next outing will probably be back down to the Borders, plenty more new hills to visit

[rockhopper]

Like you, have been dipping into the Donalds off and on as many are nearer - haven't go to these hills yet though but they do look go for a winter walk - cheers