Martin's Birthday Walk on the Cross Border Drove Road

We all met up in Peebles for Martin's Birthday Walk which took us up Hamilton Hill and then onto the Cross Border Drove road. Unfortunately John had to call off at the last minute as he had to take his daughter for a hospital appointment.

Elizabeth and Tom crossing the Tweed. We must get Tom a new hat as this one is about 20 years past its sell by date.

Neidpath Castle which looks like it is now closed to the public 

Martin and Tom having yet another discussion about the route we should be going. I should add that Martin is nearly always right and Tom is very often wrong.

Martin leads the way through one of the many snowdrifts 

Elizabeth tackling the snowdrift with ease

After a steady climb we reach the plateau of Hamilton Hill

Despite all the snow of the last 10 days it was amazing how dry the hill was. It looks as if all the snow blew off the hill into the sheltered dykes and the Cross Border Drove Road which was full of snow 

We are now on The Cross Border Drove Road and in deep snow 

Heading through the woods before we reach the top of Hamilton Hill 

Sandria and Elizabeth can talk and walk with great ease

The toughest part of the Cross Border Drove Road 

Elizabeth celebrates getting out of the snowdrifts. We were soon back in Peebles and enjoying a lovely meal in Osso's Restaurant.

Sandria's Birthday Walk in Eddleston

Sandria chose the village of Eddleston near Peebles for the start of her Birthday Walk. The walk was due to be 7 miles and the weather was supposed to be dry until about 1.00pm but we soon encountered snow and rain and a biting wind into our faces so we returned the way we had come instead of doing the full 7 miles circular route and only did 5 miles. As we arrived back it started to rain even harder so we had made the right decision. 

The Barony Castle Hotel in Eddleston. The reason for coming here was to see the Polish map of Scotland in the grounds of the hotel. 

Information about the map of Scotland

This photo of the map of Scotland was taken from a viewing platform at the southern end of Scotland. Unfortunately it is being repaired at the moment and should have water surrounding it and the snow made the features difficult to see. I also think the platform should be much higher to see the map at its best. I was very disappointed with it and wont be back. 

The features on the left are the Outer Hebrides. It will look better when the sea is put back in.  

In places there was a lot of snow. 

On the way back we passed this Llama in a field near the hotel. It was looking bedraggled and cold and not at all happy.  

The final mile through the woods at least giving us a bit of shelter. We finished the day back in pebbles at Ottos excellent restaurant when we were joined by Ken, Aileen and Martin who were unable to take part in the walk.