Not one for the hillwalkers as such, but a pleasant walk that made the most of an afternoon off. I hopped off the train at Berwick upon Tweed about 1pm. The weather was glorious, and I decided to start with a short section of the Berwickshire Coastal Path. This route takes you up the (increasingly, if you head south-north) dramatic coastline to Cocksburnpath, but I planned to come off south of Burnmouth so I could cross the main road and at least head up to tick off one (small) hill. Once you leave the golf course and caravan park at Berwick, you get to walk the cliff tops and enjoy some solitude and great views.
The Start (Or End) of the Berwickshire Coast Path by Christopher Watson, on Flickr
Berwickshire Coast Path by Christopher Watson, on Flickr
Needles Eye by Christopher Watson, on Flickr
Marshall Meadows Bay by Christopher Watson, on FlickrOnce over the border, the path runs alongside the railway line, and I was able to cross the bridge at Tods Loup, following the quiet road up to the village of Lamberton. Once I got to Campfield Farm, I was able to follow the path up to the trigpoint at the top of Lamberton Hill - a tiny hill, but at least I got to tick one off today!
Bus Stop at Lamberton by Christopher Watson, on Flickr
Lamberton HIll Trigpoint by Christopher Watson, on FlickrLamberton Hill is in enclosed farmland, so I didn't feel as comfortable crossing ground as usual. However, rather than retrace my steps, I went down the south side of the hill and joined a farm track which led me to the minor road and on down to Clappers. Pleasant scenery with nice views of the Cheviots to the South. I wanted to take a look at Halidon Hill (site of a major battle in 1333), but found myself having to walk alongside crop fields in waist-thigh thistles and nettles. It was either that or walk along the main road even more, so with gaiters on and hands held high, I negotiated a stretch of farmland before arriving at the foot of Halidon Hill. A friendly farm worker said there was a direct track from here to the top of the hill, and kindly let me use it. The views from the trig point were probably the best of the day, looking around in all directions.
Climbing Halidon Hill by Christopher Watson, on Flickr
Halidon Hill Trigpoint by Christopher Watson, on FlickrFrom Halidon Hill, the track becomes a road which leads easily all the way back down into Berwick upon Tweed, where I arrived in time for a well-earned pint before catching a train home. Today's walk was a bit of an improvised one, and the roads and farmland didn't make for the kind of pleasurable hiking you get when you're hillwalking, but it was nice to tick off a Sub2000 that normally wouldn't have much interest, and at least keep the fitness levels up - 21km or so in about 4.5 hours, and plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Next time, I'll be heading further North for a weekend and some 'proper' hills
View from Halidon Hill by Christopher Watson, on Flickr
