Two Walks and Two Dogs

I have had two excellent walks this week accompanied by friends and their dogs. The first on Wednesday with David and Tom and David's dog Ruger. Here he is befriended by a large lamb that followed us along the old Waverley railway line near Newcastleton.

This is Mangerton Tower next to the old railway line and was the Seat of the Chiefs of the Armstrong Clan. The last known Armstrong Chief was Archibald who was executed in 1610.

Ruger being followed by his admirer 

David and Tom with Ruger at the bridge in Newcastleton at the start of our 4.7 mile walk on a beautiful spring morning. 

A new born Foal in a field at the start of our walk.

 

My second walk was today with Mike Tinker and Mark Hallam with his beautiful Golden Retriever Henry. Mark is new to Langholm and is keen to learn as much as possible about the area so where better to start than Westerhall Estate and especially at Bluebell time. 

This is Henry the Golden Retriever.

We had hoped to see the Azaleas that Westerhall is famous for but they are late this year but the Bluebells are also late and are now at their very best.

I make a point of visiting Westerhall several times a year. February for the Snowdrops, March for Daffodils, April or May for Bluebells and Azaleas.

They are probably as nice this year as I have ever seen them.

This makes a change from the blue of the Bluebells

Mike and Mark enjoying the spectacle of Bluebells. We had an excellent 5 mile walk and the rain managed to stay away for most of it but near the end it came and looks like it will stay for the rest of the day.