South to the border

posted in: Scotland 5
Apologies for the lack of posts recently - we've been putting in some long days on the trail since Pitlochry, with the result that we've reached Jedburgh near the English border a full day ahead of schedule. Which means we're treating ourselves to a day off - and we're more than ready for it!
 
After passing through the Cairngorms we headed back west to briefly follow the West Highland Way with its hordes of hikers with enormous rucksacks. Our route then took us past Glasgow and Edinburgh by a surprisingly green and pleasant route, following the Forth-Clyde and Union Canals and the Water of Leith. The canal tow-paths were very hard on the feet though, and as we couldn't camp anywhere we had the added complication of taking public transport to places where we could get cheap accommodation - and back again in the morning. Much easier when you can camp on the trail!
 
So it was a relief to get out into open countryside again, and through the lovely Scottish Borders. We particularly enjoyed a section of the Southern Upland Way - huge views, sunshine, cold wind, British hillwalking at its best.
 
 
Rob Roy Way near Aberfeldy
 
Bluebells near Aberfeldy
 
Lochan near Glen Freuchie
 
Between Glen Freuchie and Glen Almond
 
Bluebells in Mugdock Country Park, West Highland Way
 
Forth-Clyde Canal near Glasgow
 
Heron on Forth-Clyde Canal
 
Forth-Clyde Canal
 
Falkirk Wheel boat lift
 
Falkirk Tunnel - Union Canal
 
Falkirk Tunnel
 
Union Canal
 
Union Canal near Ratho
 
Bore Stane, Pentland Hills
 
Old Drove Road near Peebles
 
Old Drove Road into Peebles
 
Brown Knowe on the Southern Upland Way
 
Brown Knowe on the Southern Upland Way
 
Three Brethren on the Southern Upland Way
 
St Cuthbert's Way near Melrose
 

5 Responses

  1. john
    |

    Hi. This is an old post, where are you now? I am pretty tied up with all the stuff I've been neglecting for the last month.We used the S.U Way past the three brethren too, and St Cuthberts way, and Roman Dere St into Peebles.

    • abitofawalk
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      Came through Hebden Bridge today, passing Marsden tomorrow. Welcome to join us but the forecast is poor!

  2. John Poppe
    |

    I am just awed by your beautiful photos. What wonderful country for walk.

  3. Roz Savage
    |

    Absolutely STUNNING photographs!! I am mad with envy. I mean, it's okay here in California, but not a patch on good old Britain!

  4. Harland
    |

    I met Neil and Tanya at the Forest View Inn at Byrness during my Pennine Way walk on 24 May. What an enthusiastic and happy couple, so full of life.