Scottish Borders Hill Walking Club

Leaving our vehicles, we followed the metalled road on a southerly direction for 400 metres before turning south wwest and following a track towards Old Kirkhope.

Passing the site marked Font Stone, the site of the ruin of St Gordian’s Kirk and marked by a granite cross with the old font stone at its base.

Onwards and upwards we passed the ruin of Old Kirkhope, those who were light enough or brave crossed the burn by bridge, the rest through it.

Next came the most strenuous part of the walk, a good guide to how steep an incline is, is the corresponding reduction in conversations.

Heading west up to the aptly named Grey Weather Law by which time we were in thick cloud, strong wind and rain and a chill factor of minus five.

Weeks earlier the views from Grey Weather Law were well worth the effort, last weekend we quickly moved on in a southerly direction to join the Thief’s Road to the east of Long Grain Knowe and descending down to the coll. Here we left the Thief’s Road following the fence line to Dollar Law.

Changing direction gave us the wind to our face. Very poor visibility and rain are a good reminder why planning is essential before leading a party. We reached Dollar Law, Dollar is corruption of dolour (sorrow) Hill of sorrow, but joy was the feeling at reaching the 817 metre peak.

In good conditions this is a perfect lunch stop, on this day we descended to the leeward side from where the wind was blowing.

After lunch, we continued on the Thief’s Road passing Norman Law and the Water Head then heading north east to Greenside Law before descending to Foulbrig in to the bog.

The weather was now giving more comfort and continued to improve as we ascended Redsike Head. Views of the majectic Manor Valley were revealed.

Following the contours round on to the descent in to the Valley via Sting Rig we reached the road.

The group left with 17 members and returned with 17 having covered 11 and a half miles and climbing 2800 feet.