Coffee Morning, June 2026

Festive Meal, 5th December 2025

This year it was decided to have a lunch instead of a dinner, mainly because some of those travelling often found it difficult getting home late at night. As usual, the meal was in the Elphinstone Hotel where lovely dishes were served from a varied menu. Numbers were slightly down this year, mainly due to all the bugs that were around, but those there all enjoyed the occasion, especially Bob's table top quiz which had some cleverly thought out questions. Thanks to Josanne and Ann for making all the arrangements.

Ramblers Scotland Civic Reception

On the 24th October, Ramblers Scotland held a civic reception in the wonderful setting of Edinburgh City Chambers. The event, as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, was to honour and thank those who had made an outstanding contribution to Ramblers over the years. Each group was asked if they would like to nominate someone, and the committee all agreed that the obvious choice was Michael Heale, and so I was able to accompany him for the ceremony where certificates were presented by the Deputy Lord Provost.

Congratulations Michael!

Coffee Morning, June 2025 

 On the 4th June, members met in St Mary's Hall for what has become the annual coffee morning, an opportunity for those who don't walk now, or not so much, to meet up and renew friendships with the more active members. It is also an opportunity for everyone to show off their baking skills, and they certainly did not disappoint!

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Scottish Ramblers and so to mark the occasion, Ilka produced a fantastic decorated chocolate, banana, and cream cake.

Festive Meal, December 2024

On 6th December, 43 members and guests, a post Covid record, gathered at the Elphinstone Hotel in Biggar.  All enjoyed an excellent meal and, between courses, had to engage brains to tackle a challenging quiz. At the end of the meal 'Past Chair' badges were presented to past chairs Esther, Brian, and Tony.

All agreed that it had been a most enjoyable evening and thanks were offered to Josanne for making all the arrangements, and to Bob for his well thought out quiz.

 Bring a Dish Supper

On Thursday 5th September, Kay and Graham again kindly hosted the annual 'Bring a Dish Supper'. Despite the 'smirry'weather a hardy group climbed Bizzyberry Hill. Some remained at the 'Ramblers Seat', while, despite the weather, the rest of the group continued to the top of the hill. The views were not as spectacular as usual, but it was still possible to gain an appreciation of the area.

Afterwards it was back to Kay and Graham's  where , thanks to everyone's contributions, a fantastic buffet was enjoyed. It was lovely to see so many members gathered together.

Many thanks Kay and Graham for a wonderful evening.

 Coffee Morning

We held our 2nd coffee morning on 5th June in St Mary's Hall in Biggar and despite a cold wind and some heavy showers a good croud turned out laden with some lovely home baking. After a good blether, lots of tea and coffee, and of course, sampling of the baking, it was time to see who was today's champion baker.........

and the award went to Mary Nelson who baked a lovely sponge cake, topped with cream and strawberries and kiwi fruit - congratulations Mary!

Public Access

The following is an extract from the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003

'You must not put an electric wire or barbed wire across a gate or stile without providing some sort of protection for people'

Unfortunately landowners do not always comply and so sometimes Biggar Ramblers have to step in - the pictures below show how new protection was recently provided on a stile on Bizzyberry Hill and another on Hillridge (thanks to Esther and Trudi for their sterling work.)

Weekends Away

Biggar Ramblers organise an away weekend every year. In 2023 we spent 3 nights in Kendal, staying in the appropriately named Riverside Hotel. The weather was kind and we enjoyed walks direct from the hotel along the river and upto Scout Scar, as well as walks near Levens Hall and a short final walk in the grounds of Sizergh Castle. All who attended agreed that it was a most successful weekend.

                                                                                      Biggar Ramblers observing the River Kent

Oban weekend

Last year our weekend away was to Oban, and what fantastic weather we had. After such a cold wet spring it was lovely to have to put the sun cream on!

On the way up to Oban, some of us stopped for a tour of the Cruachan pumped water power station, then in the afternoon we had a short walk up to Dunollie Beg.

On the Friday we had a fantastic walk round the island of Kerrera, some of us climbing up to Gylen Castle.

On the Saturday we took the ferry from Port Appin to Lismore where had a scramble round the top of the island to the west coast where we saw seals sunbathing and much interesting bird and plant life.

Thanks to Josanne for organising, to Graham for arranging some great walks, and to Bob for a couple of entertaining evening quizzes.

........ and here are a few photos to show those that didn't manage to come, what they missed!

(for a more detailed report, see under 'past walks'.

 Hexham Weekend, May 2025

This year our weekend away was to Chollerford, a small village to the north of Hexham, staying in the George Hotel, beautifully situated on the banks of the North Tyne. As in the past two years, we were fortunate to have perfect weather.

On the Thursday afternoon we had a leisurely stroll round Hexham starting in Tyne Green Country Park, including a visit to the lovely abbey.

Two walks were enjoyed on the Friday, one group walking along Hadrian's Wall from Steel Rig, passing the Sycamore Gap and Housesteads Roman Fort, returning at a lower level to the north of the wall, while the other group took a slightly shorter walk from Allendale along the river East Allen to Oakpool, retuning Across open fields via the village of Catton (this was supposed to be an easier walk, but proved more challenging due to the large number of Stiles encountered! - this is Bob's poetic account of the walk:-

Too Many Stiles

Good evening Mr Chairman, what have you done to us?
I have some observations, but not to make a fuss.
You said the route was easy, with one short steep ascent
This stretched the truth a little bit, as for a good half mile it went

The distance was quite short you said, a smidge more than five miles
What you failed to tell us was, its twenty or so stiles
Stiles of all constructions, wood ladders, stone or gate,
For some of us old pensioners, a challenge to negotiate

Whilst some of us were careful where we placed our feet
Others took them in their stride, but no records did we beat,
Although the hill was lengthy and oh so slightly steep
It didn’t stop Nurse Shona release a tangled sheep

Coffee by the river, what more could we wish
Than watch the little wagtails, and the tiny little fish
Notwithstanding the fore mentioned, with all round views - first class
We could admire all distant features at lunch sat on the grass

In something over 4 hours, the loop we did complete
And would have got home sooner, if fewer stiles we didn’t’ meet
We were not in a rush at all, we could not class it as a ‘C’.
And C+ would be stretching it, so we decided - it’s a ‘B’!

On the Saturday, the group split into two again. The first group walking up Allen Banks , a lovely stroll through mixed woodland along the banks of the River Allen. Here we were entertained by the lovely song of a pied flycatcher. After a coffee break at Plankey Mill, which included some stone skimming, the more adventurous part of the group continued up Staward Gorge, returning via open fields before re-entering the woodland and passing the few remains of Staward Peel. The second group enjoyed a 6 mile riverside walk at Devil's Water and Whitley Chapel.

After both the Friday and Saturday walks, drinks were enjoyed in the hotel garden watching swimmers and paddle boarders. On the Friday night we enjoyed another of Bob's taxing, but entertaining quizzes. With perfect weather, great walks and a fine hotel, all agreed that it had been a most enjoyable weekend. Thanks to Josanne, Graham and Bob for all they did to make it such a successful weekend.

Here are just a few of the lovely photos that were taken.

Biggar Ramblers sponsors Bizzyberry seat

On September 7th 2023, a group of Biggar Ramblers climbed the attractive path that leads up to Bizzyberry Hill from Biggar. They stopped half way up by the bench and information board. Following an agreement to sponsor the seat, a brass plaque was fitted with the inscription 'Enjoy your walk'. For a photograph, look under 'Walk Reports'. A fuller report can be found in the October news letter.

Afterwards a 'bring a dish' supper was enjoyed by all.