Scottish Borders Walking Festival: Day 6 Walks

Friday 11th September

ALL STARTING FROM THE FOCUS CENTRE IN GALASHIELS

Walk 6.1 Ettrick Head Horseshoe
Climb Ettrick Pen Wind Fell and Chapel Fell three of thirty eight Border Donalds (hills over 600m/2000ft) on this hike around the head of the Ettrick Valley.  Enjoy the lofty heights round the boundary with Dumfries and Galloway and visit the remote bothy at Over Phawhope.  An opportunity to see upland wildlife and enjoy the excellent views.
Difficulty Strenuous Distance 13km/8mls Height 2800ft/860m
Time taken 6.5 hours
Walk Leader SBC Ranger Service Erica Niven
Check in 08.45 Depart 09.15 Return 17.45
Cost £9

Walk 6.2 Eildons
From the small Borders town of Melrose we head up to Rhymers Stane where Thomas the Rhymer met the Fairy Queen as he sat beneath the Eildon Tree.  Following a route round the back of the beautiful Eildons where is reputedly a secret cave in the hills where sleep an army of ancient ghostly warriors headed by King Arthur who will awaken at a time of dire need to defend Britian again.  As long as they are still sleeping we will continue on the walk and return back to Melrose.
Difficulty Moderate/Strenuous
Distance 14.5km/9mls Height 820ft/250m Time taken 6 hours
Walk Leader Agnes Waldie
Check in 09.45 Depart 10.15 Return 16.45
Cost £9

Walk 6.3 Stow to Galashiels
From Stow Station we follow an undulating route via Torsonce to Bow Hill and fort with extensive views down the Gala Water valley.  Continuing to the foot of Williamlaw we climb to the summit before descending over Ladhope Moor to Galashiels.
Difficulty Moderate Distance 16km/10mls Height 1000ft/305m
Time taken 6.75 hours
Walk Leader Mike Still
Check in 09.00 Depart 09.30 Return 16.30
Cost £9

Walk 6.4 Galashiels to Gunknowe Loch
An easy walk from Galashiels to Tweedbank.  Here we will visit Gunknowe Loch and Tweedbank Park accompanied by a local ornithologist.  Then following an underpass under the main road take the path to Abbotsford.  We then take a path back to Gunknowe Loch.
Difficulty Easy Distance 3km/2mls Height Minimal
Time taken 2 hours
Walk It Walk Leader Maureen Buchan
Check in 11.00 Depart 11.30 Return 14.00
Cost £3