
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 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






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











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.


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


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.






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).

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 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






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.



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.




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.




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
