A Birthday treat in the Borders

[johnkaysleftleg]

Birthday time once again and what better way to celebrate hitting 45 than going for a wander in the hills. I must admit I felt like something a little different to the Lakes or Dales so we headed across the border to the delightful town of Melrose and it's very own three peaks otherwise known as the Eildon Hills. Grace would not be joining us today using an GCSE art project as an excuse. I suppose we'll just have to get used to the fact as she gets older she'll be joining us in the hills less and less.

The drive up was really quite enjoyable, perhaps it was a different route other than the normal A66 that made it seem quite pleasant. We reached Melrose on a beautiful summers day with bright sunshine and fluffy clouds in contrast to the forecast which was for dry and overcast conditions. Suited and booted my better half, Hughie and myself set off following the Walkhighlands route.

Heading out of Melrose on St Cuthbert's way by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking across to Black Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Eildon Mid Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Views opening up by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Gaining height by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking back along the path by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Getting closer by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Eildon Wester Hill from the climb up Mid Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Eildon Mid Hill Summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Wester Hill from the summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Great day for views by Anthony Young, on Flickr

This was a perfect walk for a hot summers day, not too strenuous and some wonderful views in all direction to take advantage of the conditions. Soon enough steady progress saw us top out on the high point of the day which was strangely a bit chilly in the wind. I gave a brief thought to the prospect of a direct descent to Wester Hill but decided to keep things simple and easy and retraced our steps to the col.

Heading back down by Anthony Young, on Flickr

On the way to Wester Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking back to Mid and North Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Small Reservoir from Wester Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

A distant Cheviot by Anthony Young, on Flickr


Hughie on Wester Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

The walk up Wester Hill was very gentle and still provided fine views. We stayed for a while on the summit this time taking in the sights before finding our way back to the nexus of the three hills and the last ascent of the day.

Climbing North Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Looking back at Mid Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Views down to Melrose from North Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

...and further afield by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Wester and Mid Hills from North Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

North Hill Summit by Anthony Young, on Flickr

I Like these hills dad! by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Another steady pull up saw us on top of North Hill which once again provides some very fine views. We had lunch lazing on the summit grass with the sun beating down. I could have quite honestly stayed for hours and had a nap but as ever the real world has to be returned to and so we started off on the way down.

Heading down to more great views by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Black Hill by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Wild roses by Anthony Young, on Flickr

Melrose abbey by Anthony Young, on Flickr

It was a nice gentle descent back down North hill with a very fine view to Black hill and beyond providing interest. We followed the Walkhighlands description back to Melrose before having coffee and ice cream to round off a fine day out. There are times when a nice little easy hill or three is just what you need