Scottish Borders Walking Festival: Day 4 Walks

Wednesday 9th September

ALL STARTING FROM THE FOCUS CENTRE IN GALASHIELS


Walk 4.1 The Three Lochs
We begin at Bowden Village from where we follow St Cuthbert’s Way for a short distance before branching off to climb the western Eildon before descending to Bowden Moor Reservoir.  From here we cross to Cauldshiels Hill, site of an Iron Age hill fort, where we should have superb views north and south.  Dropping down to picturesque Cauldshiels Loch, we walk through mixed woodland passing Faldonside Loch and Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott.  A short road takes us to the Southern Upland Way and onwards to Galashiels.
Difficulty Moderate Distance 16.9km/10.5mls Height 1181ft/360m Time taken 5.5 hours
Walk It Walk Leader Susan Taylor
Check in 09.15 Depart 09.45 Return 15.40
Cost £9

Walk 4.2 Hollybush Circular SEStran
A pleasant walk which begins at Old Tweed bridge and follows a beautiful stretch of the River Tweed to where it tumbles over the rocks below mid 18th century Yair Bridge.  Follow the Southern Upland Way through the grazed moors of Fairnilee Farm.  Enjoy the views before returning along a farm track to Gala Policies.
Difficulty Moderate Distance 9km/5.5mls Height 600ft/180mTime taken 5 hours
Walk Leader Athol Innes
Check in 08.45 Depart 09.15 Return 14.35
Cost £9

Walk 4.3 Neidpath, Yair and Glenkinnon
This route takes you up to one of Galashiels and Clovenfords most attractive hills – Neidpath.  The only climb of the day we will return to Clovenfords through the beautiful Yair Estate and the pretty paths of Glenkinnon woodland.  Open hill, fields, estate roads and tracks and forest paths.
Difficulty Moderate/Strenuous Distance 14km/8.5mls Height 1250ft/380m Time taken 5.5 hours
Walk Leader SBC Rangers Service Erica Niven
Check in 09.00 Depart 09.30 Return 15.45
Cost £7

Walk 4.4 The Saunter of the Poet Roger Quin
A regular walk with the local Walk It group based at Focus Centre.  We cross Scott Park and walk up Barr Road, used for the Braw Lad’s ride over Gala Hill, to visit the commermorative stone to the poet Roger Quin.  “And gaze on Scotland’s Eden from the spur of Gala Hill” as he penned.  Roger was affectionately known as the tramp poet.  “My Borderland” is one of his works.  There is a choice return, either outward route, or through the beautiful mature woodlands of Gala Hill and the Policies, with lovely views of the surrounding hills and including a small part of the Southern Upland Way.
Difficulty Easy Distance 4km/2.5 mls Height 330 ft/100m Time taken 2 hours
Walk It Walk Leader Robert Fraser
Check in 09.30 Depart 10.00 Return 12.00
Cost £3