walkhighlands

Wet Borders Abbey Way

Date walked: 26/08/2020

Time taken: 3.5 days

Distance: 100km

Arrived at Tweedbank station at 11.20 on Wednesday morning hoping that the wet weather for the last few days was over - optimistic thinking I'm afraid.
Folllowed the way markers to Melrose and quickly discovered that the route by the river was muddy, and although the views of the river in spate were stunning the walking was difficult for the 2miles to Melrose. A quick wave at the Abbey on the way past but no time for a break if going to reach Kelso today. Up past the Rhymers Stone and then a nice easy stroll to St Boswells before another muddy section to Dryburgh Abbey. Views again were stunning - the volume of water in the Tweed was quite breathtaking. Decided to avoid the river route as much as possible from then on - was energy sapping tramping through the mud. The cycle option was well signposted and used quiet country roads so made some good progress on this section. All going fine until 3 miles from Kelso and the walls of Floors Castle - steady rain started for the rest of the walk and the thoughts of dinner kept me going. Unfortunately Rishi's meal deal meant there was no table to be had in town - my bedraggled appearance might not have helped. Quick pint then a smoked sausage on the go instead - quick wave at Kelso Abbey then back on the trail this time following the not quite as impressive River Teviot. Back in the mud again, and in the shadow of the ruins of Roxburgh Castle there was a flat spot to pitch the tent so that was it for the day - sleeping by 830pm with a few nervous checks during the night to check the river was behaving.
Thursday
Up and packed by 6am - river still looking angry. Muddy trek to beautiful village of Roxburgh, then followed old railway line to Nisbet. Heavy rain and overgrown path meant wet feet but was warm enough and made good progress before taking diversion over the Teviot to follow the cycle route in to Jedburgh arriving at 11.30. Full Scottish breakfast and a check of the map to decide on the route - too early to stop for the day so chose a route up past the Abbey and golf course with Denholm as the new destination in mind. Weather brightened up and views in all directions were amazing. A pint in Denholm and chuffed to find a single room available at the hotel. Piping hot bath then came back downstairs to the bar to discover i'd missed a rain shower of biblical proportions! Another few pints, tasty dinner and a chat with the locals about the route tomorrow.
Friday
Another big breakfast and finally on the road by 8am - over to the other side of the river and stayed on the road for 5 mile walk to Hawick. Coffee and a scone then the trek to Selkirk with the previous nights warnings from the locals in mind. Long climb up past the convent then when the road ended the fun began - the warning were right - if its wet and theres been horses on the route then its a long slog. it was horrendous - mud up to the ankles and to the right glimpses of the main road and lovely tarmac. The Golf Course in Woll served a lovely pint and with 5 miles to go and it being 3pm is time to push on. Followed the road again, nice views if Bowhill and beer in Selkirk by 5pm. Tasty Indian for dinner and early night in the Commercial Hotel - no bath this time.
Saturday
8 miles to Melsrose - local advice taken - stick with the main road with pavement/cycle path and avoid the fields. Set off at 730am in beatiful sunshine and lovely walk to the turn off to Abbotsford - up and down road with glimpses of stunning mansions - not just Sir Walter Scott who had a big hoose. Back in Melrose by 1030 and yes - rewarded with another big breakfast to wait for lift home

Lovely part of the world and a straight forward walk, well sign posted and with plenty food options at each stage.

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paulodipaulio


Activity: Mountaineer
Pub: Black bull
Mountain: O Cebreiro
Place: Coldingham
Gear: rucksack
Member: none
Ideal day out: ramble round a loch

Munros: 6
Fionas: 1
Donalds: 3
Sub 2000: 6
Long Distance routes: West Highland Way    Borders Abbeys Way    Fife Coastal Path    St Cuthbert's Way    Berwickshire Coastal Path    Rob Roy Way   



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Statistics

2020

Trips: 1
Distance: 100 km


Joined: Jun 19, 2019
Last visited: Jan 15, 2023
Total posts: 3 | Search posts