Scottish Borders Walking Festival: Day 5 Walks

Thursday 10th September

ALL STARTING FROM THE FOCUS CENTRE IN GALASHIELS

Walk 5.1 Blackhaugh to Stow over Scroof Hill
We head up the Caddon Water through open moorland to Scroof cottage before climbing over the Slack between Scroof and Dunlee Hills.  The route then descends slowly down to the Lugate Valley before climbing over Stagehall Holland dropping down to Stow.  An opportunity to see some upland wildlife and learn about land use, past and present.  You might even see some of the first trains on the newly reopened Waverley Line!
Difficulty Moderate/stenuous Distance 14.5km/9mls Height 1200ft/350m
Time taken 6 hours
Walk Leader Helen Rabour
Check in 09.30 Depart 10.00 Return 16.45
Cost £9


Walk 5.2 Torwoodlee Circular, Galashiels
A walk with good views over Galashiels.  Walk through Gala Policies and Victoria Park to join the Meigle circular track round Meigle Hill, passing one of the Covenanter’s secret outdoor services area.
Difficulty Moderate Distance 17.5km/11mls Height 525ft/160m
Time taken 6 hours
Walk Leader Athol Innes
Check in 09.00 Depart 09.30 Return 15.30
Cost £7


Walk 5.3 Yarrowford to Minchmoor
From Yarrowford we climb the wooded dean past the former youth hostel up on to the Southern Upland Way.  The ridge is then followed over Lucken Head and Brown Law with fine views up the Yarrow Valley before descending via the Minchmoor Road.
Difficulty Moderate/Strenuous Distance 12km/7.5mls Height 1300ft/400m
Time taken 5 hours
Walk Leader SBC Ranger Service Keith Robeson
Check in 09.00 Depart 09.30 Return 15.30
Cost £9


Walk 5.4 The Fisherman’s Walk SEStran
We will almost certainly see herons today, possibly salmon, and just perhaps an otter.  From the Bottle Bridge we walk east along the north bank of the Tweed, cross the river at Melrose and visit the Parish Church.  Then west upstream to cross again at the railway bridge and back to the Focus by the Gala Water
Difficulty Easy Distance 9km/5.5 mls Height minimal
Time taken 4 hours
Walk It Walk Leader Robert Fraser
Check in 10.30 Depart 11.00 Return 15.15
Cost £5