Mince Pie Walk - Thursday 19th December
On a lovely bright winter's morning, 13 ramblers set out for their annual pre-Christmas mince pie ramble. This was a 4 mile circular walk starting from Manor Bridge, just off the A72 Peebles Road, following the footpath along the disused railway to the sheltered little hamlet of Lyne. Along the way the group learned about the 
history of the railway which used to link Peebles to the main line at Symington. There was then an interesting stop at Lyne where the workings of the SEPA measuring system were explained. A footpath then took the group to a crossing over the Tweed and onto a driveway leading to the 16th Century Barns Tower. There was now an extended break where mulled wine, mince pies, and home made brownies were enjoyed. The final part of the walk was then along the riverside path which led back to the start point at Manor Bridge.
Peebles to Collie Law & Hamilton Hill Circular Walk - Thursday, 12th December
On a crisp, sunny morning with a touch of frost in the air, a group of 8 Biggar Ramblers set out for a scenic walk through the countryside near Peebles. They walked through Lady's Wood, nestled just below Ven Law Hill. As they continued on their route, the group made their way around Whitfold Hill, which rises to a height of 377 meters, before heading upward towards Collie Law (424m).
At the top of Collie Law, they were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, offering a perfect moment to pause and take in the beauty of the frosty morning. The walk was a refreshing blend of nature, exercise, and spectacular vistas.
After enjoying the stunning views from Collie Law, the group of Biggar Ramblers descended towards the A703, continuing their journey towards Kidston Bank Wood. They took a brief detour along the Nature Trail, where they caught sight of Cringletie House, an elegant building steeped in rich history, adding a touch of heritage to the scenic walk.
The group went back to Peebles via Hamilton Hill and enjoyed a warm and festive treat of non-alcoholic mulled wine and waffles.
Coulter Mast Walk - Wednesday 4th December
Nine Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a short but varied and interesting walk from Nisbet Bridge at Coulter on 4th December. The walk, known as Coulter Mast Circular, has changed with the recent timber harvesting – the valleys are opened out and the previously sheltered corner for the coffee break is now a cluster of tree stumps on an open hillside!
The group started up the steady climb to the Mast from the layby, with views out across to the Clyde, Tinto, and Quothquan opening out as they went. Just before reaching the Mast, they headed downhill towards Unthank Farm, but continued on the track just above the steading towards Mid Hangingshaw, past established woodland. The route then turns right downhill to the A702 and across the main road to follow a track just behind the beech hedge toward the entrance to the next farm, Nether Hangingshaw. Passing piles of recently felled logs, they continued on the estate track until they reached the route uphill through partially felled woodland to the ridge between Coulterhaugh and the Roman Road. The ridge gave interesting views in the other direction towards cloud covered Culter Fell. After passing the back of Highfield they took the route down behind Coulter village to Coulter Mill. The circle was completed via the Mill Lade path, another pleasant meander along Coulter Water, back to the start.
It had been a cold start, but a leisurely three hours later, the sun had come out and warmed everyone, ready for a well deserved lunch!
Douglas circular - Thursday 21st November
17 Ramblers met in Douglas in below zero temperature on a crisp and sunny morning. They spent time looking at the monuments and information on the Polish soldiers and Cameronian Highlanders, before having a look at Castle Douglas. From there the group visited the ice house and read about how it had been recently discovered before then entering the castle gardens where lots of work had been done. There they found Wayne working and he happily told the walkers about the work he had done there and what was still in the offing. Morning coffee was had sitting at benches and picnic tables made by Wayne. Then they went up Curly Brae and walked along the Long Plantation before finding the pathway back to the village, stopping for lunch at benches overlooking the spectacular countryside, having walked just over four miles.
The Cloich Hills - Sunday 17th November
A group of ten Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a glorious 7 mile circular walk in the Cloich Hills near Romano Bridge. Their walk started at the historic Newlands Church in calm but overcast conditions. From there they followed a farm track up into the rolling hillside. The outer part of the walk consisted of following a terraced track above Lyne Water and then Flemington Burn, before turning into Romano Hope, and climbing to the 445 metre summit of Drum Maw.
At this point the sky cleared and the group enjoyed a lovely ridge walk over the summits of White Knowe and Whiteside Hill, where there is a spectacular site of an Iron Age Fort. They stopped for lunch in the sheltered old fort defences, enjoying the panoramic views across to the Pentlands, and South to Broughton Heights and The Southern Uplands. The walk ended by retracing the route to Newlands Church Car Park whilst reflecting on their luck in having such a great day to enjoy such scenery.
Croy Hill and The Antonine Wall - Saturday 9th November
Eight walkers from Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a very interesting walk along the Forth and Clyde canal before walking uphill to explore two Roman forts and great views of The Antonine Wall. There are a host of interesting information boards along the 6.5 mile walk which also offers great views of the Campsie hills. The walk started and ended at the pretty marina at Auchinstarry, just outside Kilsyth.
Garvald to West Water Reservoir circular - Saturday 2nd November 24
On a rather dull but dry day, 5 Biggar Ramblers set out from Garvald to walk to the West Water Reservoir. Soon after setting out, the path was blocked by a group of turkeys who obviously thought that there might be food on hand! Having successfully navigated past the turkeys, the group followed the track past Medwynbank, and on above the Garvald Burn. Along the way there were several flights of pink footed geese, followed by many pheasants that are reared in the area for shooting. On arriving at West Water Reservoir, it was interesting to see that despite the wet weather, the reservoir was several feet below its normal full level. The area is designated a SSSI due to the large number of wildfowl in the area. It is also a Ramsar site because it is a wetland of international importance.
Having crossed the reservoir wall, the return leg of the ramble followed a higher level track towards Medwynhead which was reached by navigating a short but boggy section of moorland. From Medwynhead it was a pleasant downhill track back to Medwynbank and Garvald.
Kitleyknowe and Rutherford 31st October 24
Around Halloween some of the members of Biggar Ramblers had a pleasurable 3 mile circular walk around the area of Kitleyknowe and Rutherford with a first time walk leader. The walk started from the village of Carlops, situated in the Pentland Hills. The route was mostly good level tracks, with the central section across open ground. The ramblers encountered a few muddy areas due to the recent rain. There was an abundance of Autumn colour walking through a lovely avenue of old beech trees. The group were also fortunate to see the Icelandic ponies up close feeding at Windy Gowl Farm.
West Linton to West Water Reservoir - Thursday 24th October 24
On a cloudy but dry morning 16 ramblers set out from the Lower Green in West Linton, passing the commemorative 
Whipman Stone and Teapot Lane to the Upper Green heading for The Loan. The walkers then made a visit to West Linton Sustainable Group’s Roamers Wood, viewing the Primary School children’s input to this newly created space. Heading down through Lynedale with some stunning autumnal colours and then further on with the Golf Course in the foreground and views of West Linton, the hills in the distance looked quite majestic. The party then walked up to West Water Reservoir, an artificial reservoir supplying Edinburgh and the Lothians and home to 40,000 pink footed geese. Picnic time was had at the reservoir and on the homeward journey the walkers stopped at the side of the Golf Course at the early bronze age cist cemetery found after it was exposed by reservoir erosion. The colours were magnificent going down Medwyn Road returning to the Upper Green with a quick stop at Rumblin’ Tam spring. The walk was just over 6 miles with no rain!
Horse Law Circular - Sunday, 13th October 24
On a fine autumn morning, four brave ramblers set out on what should have been an easy walk across flat and open moorland. However, due to all the recent heavy rain the walk turned out to be more challenging than expected with many boggy areas and fast flowing burns to be crossed.
The walk started by walking up the drive to Little Sparta, and then onto open moorland heading in a northwesterley direction. Soon after crossing the Westruther Burn (luckily the only bridge on the walk was here!) the group stopped for a coffee break. A left turn was then taken, heading south , past Burngrange, where lunch was taken and onto the quiet lane back to the start of the walk.
Like so many walks in the area, fine views were afforded in all directions and we were fortunate enough to see a hare close by and a heron flying above. Despite wet feet, all agreed that it had been a great day out.
The Glen and Loch Eddy Circular - Sunday, 6th October 2024
A group of 11 members of Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a very pleasant 6 mile walk around the Glen Estate with its picturesque and secluded loch. The walk started at the lodge house and continued passing several farm buildings and the village hall. Following a well-maintained track through farmland, we reached a shepherd’s cottage at the atmospheric Glenshiel Banks. We then turned left onto a rough path through the autumnal bracken and along Gumscleuch Burn.
At the foot of Glendean Banks, we reached Loch Eddy which is a little man-made reservoir for the Glen House. Looking across the loch and admiring the Autumn colours, the members enjoyed their lunch. The path then led us back to the Estate farm buildings with a lovely view of Glen House.
Nine Mile Burn circular via Monks Rig and Braid Law, 28th September 24
On a cool but dry Saturday morning, six members of Biggar Ramblers welcomed a member of Tweeddale Ramblers for their walk into the Pentlands.
From Nine Mile Burn the group headed North up to Scroggy Hill and onwards to the Font Stone and Monks Rig. Records indicate that the Font Stone dates back to at least 1794. It was a stone base for an ornamented cross which apparently was found at the foot of the hill in 1809. The walk then continued over Cap Law and on to the foot of West Kip. While enjoying a lunch break here, one of the keener members of the group sprinted up West Kip. The route now took the group back towards Nine Mile Burn passing by Braid Law.
The walk was taken at a leisurely pace, and enjoyed by all.
John Buchan Way, Peebles to Stobo, 19th September 24
Early morning mist rising over Peebles
As the mist was clearing, five members of Biggar Ramblers took the bus from Stobo to Peebles and to the start of the John Buchan Way back to Stobo. Moving out of Peebles towards Cadmuir Hill the mist lifted and under a bright blue sky, the surrounding hills looked their best. After a coffee break looking across to Hundleshope Heights the group moved on to Cademuir and then to Kirkton Manor where lunch was taken with the pleasant sound of the Manor Water behind the picnic table. After lunch, the walk continued up Glack Hope and down to Easter Dawyck and then the bridge over the River Tweed where the cars had been parked.
Bizzyberry and Bring a Dish Supper 5th August 24
On a very misty evening a group of Biggar Ramblers took the path in Biggar to the top of Bizzyberry hill. (1191 feet/ 363 meters). Last year the Ramblers arranged with the local council to sponsor a bench about half way up the hill. After inspecting the bench and admiring the view, which on a clear day is very impressive, some of the group climbed to the top. After returning to Biggar there was a very pleasant evening spent with perfect hosts at the annual Bring a Dish event.
Berwickshire Coastal Path 21st August 24
On Wednesday 21 st August six Biggar Ramblers headed to Cockburnspath on the East Coast to walk the first stage of the Berwickshire Coast Path. The walk was about 9 miles on grassy cliff tops, farm tracks and quiet roads. The weather remained bright and breezy and they enjoyed panoramic views throughout. The ramblers had a detour to visit lovely Cove Harbour where they watched surfers on the sandy beach at Pease Bay and had lunch in the ruins of an ancient chapel, before ending the walk at Dowlaw. The group look forward to the next stages which will take them further down the coast to St Abbs and on to Eyemouth and Berwick.
Harrowhope, round Tarcreish and Harrow Hill from Stobo 29th August 24
Sixteen walkers gathered outside Stobo Village Hall on a bright morning for a leisurely ramble. The walk followed the John 
Buchan Way from Stobo and up the Easton Burn. After reaching an old farm ruin where a coffee break was enjoyed, the group crossed the burn and, leaving the John Buchan Way, headed around Tarcreish and down to the reservoir fed by the Hopehead Burn. After a lunch break sitting on top of the reservoir wall the walk then followed the valley back down to Home Farm and the start of the walk.
St Mary's Loch to Ettrick Kirk 25th August 24
This was a joint walk with and led by Tweeddale Ramblers. The walk started along the Southern Upland Way (SUW) to Riskinhope Hope and continued along the 
base of Peniestone Knowe before leaving the SUW to take the "path" to Ettrick Kirk (this part was particularly challenging as 
there was no obvious path to follow).After arriving at the church, the walk followed a minor road to Scabcleuch. It then rejoined the SUW before descending towards Riskinhope Farm, finally returning to our cars via the Loch of the Lowes.
This was a particularly challenging 11 mile walk with driving rain throughout, a real test for all the different brands of waterproofs! Although soaked through, there was a great sense of achievement!
Drumelzier Law Circular walk 17th August 24
Seven walkers from Biggar Ramblers had an enjoyable hillwalk exploring the three Donalds arranged around the Drumelzier Burn. Pykestone Hill and Middle Hill both have flat summits, but Drumelzier Law is set apart from the main range and has a more impressive outline. Although sunshine was in short supply during the ramble, we had the spectacle of blooming heather in abundance, fantastic panoramic views and good company.
Capelaw and Castlelaw Circular 8th August 24
With a forecast of rain later, six Biggar Ramblers set off from the Pentlands Regional Park car park at Flotterstone at a brisk pace for their walk round Capelaw and 
Castlelaw Hills. On the way out to Glencorse Reservoir the group stopped to look at the old filter beds which used to provide filtered water for the paper mills in the Penicuik area, and later learned a bit about the history of the legend of the chapel, St Catherine's in the Hopes, submerged when the reservoir was filled in 1824.. 
Halfway along the reservoir the path branched off up the valley towards Bonaly Reservoir where a pleasant coffee break was taken - we were even entertained by a group of ducklings that came out of the water to enjoy crumbs from our Yorkshire parkin! Continuing up and around Capelaw Hill, with fairly good visibility, a wonderful panorama opened up from Grangemouth, past the bridges, and round to Arthur’s Seat. The walk then continued round the back of Capelaw Hill and Castlelaw Hill, with a stop at Castlelaw to inspect the Earth House which was part of the ancient Hill Fort dating back to 500BC. (see picture on the right) From here it was a simple return back to the car park which was reached just as the rain that had been forecast, arrived - mission achieved!
West Lomond Circuit 27th July 2024
On Saturday morning, ten walkers from Biggar Ramblers met at Craigmead car park near Falkland to walk in the Lomond Hills. Following a broad track for about 3 km, the base of West Lomond was reached. The footpath which zigzags steeply up the northeastern side of the hill was followed. Without too much effort the summit of West Lomond (522m) was reached and the group enjoyed a coffee break with excellent views all around.
The group went down into Glen Vale walking through the only rough area on the walk. Continuing further south, the group had lunch just below Bishop Hill from where spectacular views over the huge expanse of Loch Leven could be enjoyed. Several paragliders and a couple of gliders also enjoyed the fine weather and views across Loch Leven.
Heading further south, an interesting feature on the right was spotted. A large freestanding 10 m high quartz dolerite pillar, locally known as Carlin Maggie. The local lore tells us that the witch, Carlin Maggie, was turned into stone in a contest with the Devil. In the late 1980s, Maggie lost her head when the topmost stones fell off as a result of wind and frost.
The path continued heading eastwards, gradually descending into more agricultural land. Following the edge of Ballo reservoir for a few hundred meters, the group could enjoy the best views across the reservoir. A perfect spot to look back and retrace the route taken so far.
Before heading back to Craigmead car park, the group enjoyed a well-deserved cup of tea at a café. A perfect way to finish the walk.
North Esk Circular 31st July 24
Twelve walkers from Biggar Ramblers enjoyed the bright summer sunshine on a 4.5 mile ramble up into the Pentlands with lovely views of the reservoir and towards the coast. The paths and farm tracks were good all the way. A long uphill stretch when leaving the reservoir after coffee break meant we were rewarded with stunning views in both directions on the farm track between Paties and Spittal hills.
Carmichael Estate 18th July 24
Ten walkers from Biggar Ramblers enjoyed some sporadic summer spells and occasionally bracing winds on an interesting ramble around the Carmichael estate.With great views of Tinto hill all the way round we encountered two derelict but very interesting manor houses. A coffee stop in the woods and an enjoyable picnic lunch outside the pretty Carmichael village church kept us going.
Garrion Bridges 11th July 24
This was a 5.5 mile walk in the Clyde valley. The ramble started from the Garrion Bridges Garden Centre, then along a farm track to the ruins of Cambusnethan Priory where the group learned a little of the history of the house, which was never actually a Priory, but a private house, hotel and banqueting hall before a fire in the 80s left it derelict. The walk then proceeded past Upper Carbarns farm where produce is distributed to local food banks. The walk finished by walking along the side of the Clyde back to the starting point.
