WE started in the dry at the Focus Community Centre. The Walkit walks are low-level easy and led, a weekly walk for health, exercise with company. Leader, Robert Fraser explained that if it had been better weather the group may have taken a bus to Boleside and walked back into the town. However, rather than stand about in the rain for a bus we headed straight out along the Southern Upland Way. Luckily everyone was very friendly and easy going. Wanda explained that she enjoyed the routine that walking with a group once a week gave her and said that being in the morning on a Wednesday it helps to structure your week.

A couple of pairs of mallard and a moorhen were spotted as we walked past the pond. We continued around the woodland now on the woodland paths.

We chatted as we went along and the conversation was easy and light.

As we reached the meadow area someone mentioned that they had seen a roe deer near there a few weeks ago.

We went into the field at the top and followed the field edge with a view across to Mossilee hill and re-joined the Way.

John feels his health has benefitted from regular walking and he and Robert Harvey also lead at Langlee and both enjoyed back-marking.

We had a look at one of the ancient oaks as we passed as well as the Weeping Ash and the Noble Fir near the site of the New Gala House.

Doreen explained that she enjoys walking with company and appreciates the chance to do some exercise in the fresh air. She has lived in Galashiels for many years but had never explored Gala Policies or some of the other walks until she started walking with the group. She prefers to walk with others and feels she has more energy nowadays.

Thankfully the group allowed me to take a few pictures and welcomed me joining them. Someone said that once you have made the first step and come along, it is easy. People talk to you and it is fine.

The leaders choose a route that suits everyone in the group and no-one is left behind. Back in the dry at the Focus Centre there was the chance of biscuits and tea or coffee. People take turns to help organise this.

Some people were being healthy so declined the biscuits but someone commented on how nice they were. It was a chance for a blether about all sorts including previous walks. I found out that at Boleside walks there was a pig in a field that always came up to the fence to greet them.

Susan Taylor, has joined me on the highest Borders hills in the past and now retired enjoys the regular walks. She said she enjoys finding out what’s going on from people, things on in the town that she may not have heard about otherwise.

Robert explained that the only Wednesday they had not gone out for a walk at all was once when the pavements were icy.

Walkit groups walk regularly at many Borders Towns and villages including Selkirk, Tweedbank, Peebles and Innerleithen. People sometimes go to walks in neighbouring towns too.

The walks are free of charge. Pick up a leaflet at the Focus centre or a Tourist Information Centre, call on 01835 826750 or look up www.scotborders.gov.uk/walkit