Lockerbie to Hoddam on Annandale Way

A glorious day for a long walk and a welcome back to both Tom and Peter who have both been away with Peter in Switzerland and Tom in Barbados. We had missed the healthy arguments with Tom over the last 4 weeks but he was back in fine form today and we were even arguing before we had reached our start point. Our choice today was part of the Annandale Way from Lockerbie to Hoddam. This is a distance of 7.75 miles but due to 2 wrong turnings we actually walked 10.5 miles.The weather was beautiful although cold at the start and in open areas the wind was biting cold

Burnswark in the distance from a different angle than we mostly see it.

Back on speaking terms again with Burnswark in the background

This is St. Mungo's Church near Kettleholm

These are the ruins of kennels belonging to the ruined big house a couple of hundred yards further along the road. There was no more information available in the walk notes about these buildings so I will do some research and add it to my blog in due course.

The old ruined big house

Peter pointing out Repentance Tower in the distance

Although it is called the Annandale Way we did not see a river until almost the end. This is the River Milk

Which a few hundred yards further down runs into the River Annan

There are several of these wooden sculptures along the bank of the Annan. This one has a Raptor, a Salmon, and an Otter on it.

We soon have to cross the Annan and into the Hoddam Estate. Forgive me for being serious in this photo but Tom was kneeling down to take it and we were not sure if he would get up again. Peter was enjoying the spectacle. 

On the estate there are several of these odd looking pods for the use of visitors.Not as good as a caravan but better than a tent. 

Hoddam Castle