WHAT a difference a week makes.

As is the case with all leaders of the club’s walks they have responsibility for writing the report of the walk which they will have recce’d previously to confirm the route is suitable and safe for all the members and guests.

On testing the route the previous week it was blowing a gale with rain and very low mist, not ideal for pleasurable walking.

We met at Glenkirk, just off the A721, a few miles from Broughton. The sun was shining with blue skies and a stiff breeze blowing from the wrong direction ie the North East.

Fourteen walkers left the cars and headed straight for the first hill of the day. On reaching the plateau of Congrie Hill the views were starting to appear and in between sucking in the clean air we all agreed it was great to be out in the Border hills.

No time to hang about we crossed Glenharvvie Moss and headed for the fence line which we kept on our left climbing up Dun Knees. It was here we had to cross a fence which is not shown on the latest issue of the relevant map. On reaching Birnies Bowrock at 673 metres we could see the market town of Biggar in the distance. Descending from here we could see the next climb straight ahead namely Scawdmans Hill.

On clearing the summit we took shelter in the lee of the hill for a well deserved lunch break. No Easter Sunday would be complete without eggs which were duly supplied by a couple of the lady members - we have as many female members as male.

Back on the trail again we headed down Dry Score a virtually dry burn and onto Middle rig. On finding the track as shown on the map we enjoyed the climb up over Park Knowe and onto Tippet.

Shortly after bearing right we started the final climb of the day, following a faint quad bike track we ascended Culter Fell for a quick coffee stop at 748 metre (2454 feet).

It was obvious that the wind would make this a short break but not before we enjoyed the 360 degree views taking in Lanark in the far distance, Broughton down below and, on the other side, Cowgill and Coulter reservoirs which were glistening in the continuous sunshine. Heading downhill for Leishfoot Hill we took a left for the drop down to the valley and Holms Waterhead. Following the track and the Homs Water we reached the cars just after 4pm having covered approximately 10 miles of hilly but beautifull countryside.

On a personal note, sadly the views would have been a hundred times better if not for the proliferation of wind turbines which litter our hillsides.

The B group, lower in numbers this week, started from the same place and headed for Leishfoot Hill and taking a left took in Moss Law at 571 metres. Descending to Holm Nick for a welcome lunch break and continuing down to the valley floor they also followed Holm Water back to the cars.

The next walk on Sunday, May 4, is at Simonside Hills near Rothbury. Further details from Mike Still on 01450 870043. This is an invitation to join us if you would like to see a bit of the countryside and enjoy good company.