Bitterly Cold in Copshaw

Its amazing how quickly each Wednesday walk comes round. This week we are off to Newcastleton to do a 5.5 mile walk along the old Waverley Railway Line and to cross this new Whithaugh Bridge for the first time. The Bridge has helped the village to attract more visitors as all the Mountain Bike Trails now start from the Square in the village instead of the other side of the river. The proprietor of the Grapes Hotel says it has made a big difference to his business and was great investment. We were very fortunate with the weather as we only had one heavy shower but the wind was biting cold so we kept up a good pace and never stopped for a break.  

The village of Newcastleton nestling in the narrow Liddel valley 

It was a day of horses coming to see what we had to offer them. This was the first group of the day looking rather splendid in their winter coats.

The first part of the walk followed the road but we then took a path down a very muddy track through the wood to the old Waverley railway line.  

Once on the Waverley line we passed the remains of Mangerton Tower. It was one of the many Armstrong fortified houses in the Borders. The tower has been ruined for at least 200 years. Tom tried to get me to take a step back for the photo but no chance of that as it was quite a drop.

Our last group of horses. These youngsters were part of a group of six but these two were the cutest. they will need those winter coats in the next few days. We had a heavy sleet shower just as we approached the village but it did not last long and when we arrived back at the Grapes Hotel for lunch the sun was shining.