for the trip so far covering more than 33 miles. After writing my last
blog yesterday lunch time I ascended out of Byrness and Redesdale on
the north side of the valley and quickly made the 2 miles over open
moor to the border with Scotland. There were no signs to mark the
border just a muddy ditch that would become the river coquet further
down the valley. It didn't matter, I had made it to Scotland at last.
A few miles further on I left the Penine Way and joined Dere Street,
an old Roman road heading north west. Dere Street lives up to the
Roman reputation of heading straight and made for very good walking.
The scenery in the borders was beautiful particularly along the edge
of the Cheviot Hills, the colours very fresh and vivid. Gradually
tiredness caught up with me and at 8pm when walking past a mossy grass
verge that looked liked it would make a comfy surface under the tent I
decided it was time to stop, cook some noodles and turn in for the
night.
I woke this morning to howling wind and rain. So much for the
forecast. There's nothing else to do when it's like that than to get
the waterproofs on and get on with it. I decided that after four
nights in the tent and with over a week since I'd done any laundry it
was time to stay in a hostel for a night. Melrose was only 17 miles
along the road and leaving at half six I would be there for lunch!
I've now cooked a nice big pasta dinner and done all my laundry. It
feels great to be clean, warm and well fed!
