Covenanter's Grave 14th July 24
On the morning of 14th July, seven members of Biggar Ramblers set out on a 7 mile circular walk to the Covenanter's grave. Starting in the small village of Garvald, the walk headed west for about half a mile before turning north, through Easton Farm and up to the end of the track below Black Law, which involved crossing two deep and fast flowing fords, and keeping an eye out for passing horses taking part in a riding event. At this point the group heard some of the history of the covenanters, and how the national Covenant was drawn up in 1638 in order to resist Charles 1's attempts to enforce royal control over the church in Scotland which resulted in over 50 years of persecution and bloodshed. In 1666, 1800 men attempted to enter Edinburgh to present their grievances. However, they were refused entry and while retreating to the Pentland Hills, were attacked in what is now known as the Battle of Rullion Green. The Covenanters received savage treatment which included the removal of heads and arms which were then displayed in an attempt to dissuade further unrest from the covenanters.
The group now continued up the hill, through grass and heather, eventually reaching the stone marking the covenanter's grave. One of the Covenanters managed to escape from Rullion Green and was found badly wounded by a shepherd called Adam Sanderson. Knowing he was dying he asked the shepherd to bury him in sight of his beloved Ayrshire hills. Sanderson carried out the covenantor's wish and erected a stone which is now in Blackmount Church. The present stone was erected in 1841.
Despite hearing of all the bloodshed, the group found this spot peaceful and tranquil. Skylarks were singing, and there were wonderful views in all directions, including over to the distant Ayrshire Hills. It was tempting to linger, but it was now time to return back to Garvald via Medwynhead and Medwynbank. Despite an uncertain forecast the weather remained fine for the whole walk which was enjoyed by all.
Black Mount 30th June 24
How many seasons can you experience in a day? And how many local landmarks can you see in 4 hours? For Biggar Ramblers walk up Black Mount on 30th June we had the full range of seasons from wintry wind and drizzle at the start to warm sunshine on the way back down. And Black Mount is a great hill for views.
Black Mount, on a smaller scale than Tinto Hill at an altitude of only 516 metres, nonetheless stands out as a distinctive hill in the area. The nine walkers set off from Elsrickle on the public pathway to Walston. Once over the brow and through several gates, the route up Black Mount bears right and climbs the spine, following the fence to the trig point on the top. At the start, it was hard to make out the tops of Tinto, Coulter and Carden, but at every stage of the climb, the views opened out. At the trig point it was possible to see clear tops for Tinto, Coulter Fell, Broughton Heights, Mendick Hill and the Pentlands. It was also possible to make out Traprain Law and the Bass Rock. This is a short hill walk of just under 5 miles, but nonetheless worth it for views of this lovely countryside, even on a day with less than perfect weather.
Meall nan Tarmachan and Meall Garbh 19th June 24
Seven hardy Biggar Ramblers set themselves a challenge and climbed Meall nan Tarmachan (3425 feet), the vertiginous Meall Garbh (3668 feet) and crossed the Tarmachan ridge. All set in the stunning Lawers range with terrific 360 degree views of mountains and lochs, including a perfect view of the Ben Lawers Dam, this was a 
challenging but rewarding climb, and for some their first Munro. The group then stayed overnight in Aberfedly, before travelling to pitlochry the following day for a more gentle walk along the river Tummel.
Portmore Loch & Northshield Rings 1st June 24
Biggar Ramblers first walk in June was around Portmore Loch outside of Eddleston on a beautiful day with clear sunshine and a slight cooling breeze. The group walked from the Scots Pine Café up towards Portmore House and then followed the forest track to the loch for a coffee break. Next It wasn around the loch to Loch Wood to enjoy excellent views north to the Pentlands and beyond and south to the border hills including Dollar Law and Culter Fell. Leaving the open hilltop the group entered the forest again to reach the Northshield Rings and a lunch stop. Then the route continued through the forest to rejoin the outward route and back to the Scots Pine Café
Culter Fell 9th June 24
On Sunday 9th June five Biggar Ramblers joined five Tweeddale Ramblers for a joint walk over Culter Fell. The walk started from Glenkirk, near the head of the Glenholm valley. After walking a bit further up the valley to Holmes Waterhead, the group 
started the steep ascent to the top of Culter Fell - being so steep, several rests were required to take in and admire the wonderful views! After stopping at the trig point for photos and to take in the 360 degree views, the walk continued over easier terrain to Glenharvie Moss and King Bank Head, followed by a more gentle climb to Chapelgill Hill and then the final descent back down to Glenkirk. With a total ascent of over 2000 feet, this proved to be a challenging, yet rewarding walk, which everyone enjoyed, especially as it stayed dry!
It was agreed that the joint walk had been a great success, so much so that another has already been put in the diaries for later in the year.
St Abbs 30th May 24
A group of six ramblers walked 5 miles on the stunning coastal path from Coldingham Sands to St Abbs lighthouse. The path took them steadily up to the pretty fishing village of St Abbs and then upwards again to the lighthouse and beyond. They watched masses of gannets, gulls and guillemots performing acrobatically in the sky surrounding the dramatic cliff tops before enjoying a short lunch stop. The group then circled around and returned to the bay where surfers were practising and where some of the group braved the cold sea for a dip.
Strathaven Park and Spectacle E'e falls 19th May 24
Biggar Ramblers walk on 19th May attracted four walkers who met in Strathaven Park for the commencement of a six-mile leisurely walk down through the town and then out to Spectacle E'e falls, where they met young people about to go swimming in the Kype Water. A stop was made in Sandford to see where the B.B.C. are about to start filming, with the hall done up to represent a Men's Shed in Ireland. Lunch was had in lovely sunshine in the village of Sandford, after which the group made their way along the Stonehouse Road, making a turn down to Waukmill, with a walk along the Avon and back over the bridge, which they had originally crossed. There the group had fun with Pooh sticks to see whose could travel furthest in the water, with the same gentleman winning each time. They had a chat with the wild swimmers again, all three of different nationalities and only one residing in Scotland. The group visited a tea room in the town before heading back through the park, where the crowds were out in force and boats and the famous Strathaven model railway were all open for business.
Oban weekend 9th to 12th May 24
On Thursday 9 th May 25 members of Biggar Ramblers converged on Oban for their annual walking weekend. The group stayed at a waterfront hotel and enjoyed three days of continuous sunshine. On arrival day a number of the ramblers broke the journey to visit the ”Hollow Mountain” hydro electric power station at Ben Cruachan, a fascinating visit to a site which could have been used in a James Bond movie. After arrival in Oban most of the group enjoyed a walk along the esplanade to Dunollie Castle followed by a climb up Battleship Hill with fantastic 360 degree views of Oban and surrounding countryside. After dinner they had a mental 
challenge with a pub quiz. On Friday the option of a circular walk around the Island of Kerrera was a popular choice with 18 participants. After a short ferry crossing from Gallanash Road they walked the 7.5 mile route clockwise taking them past many charming bays, a ruined clifftop castle, a cottage tearoom and rugged cliffs always with great views of the mainland coast and other islands. The ramblers continued the island theme on Saturday, driving north to the picturesque little village of Port Appin for a short ferry crossing to the Island of Lismore where they undertook a 4 mile circular walk of the northern tip of the island with a rugged coast path followed by farm tracks, and a paddle in the sea to cool off. Back on the mainland they returned to Oban for a drink in the sun-drenched bars.On Sunday the ramblers departed and headed for home thankful for the beautiful scenery in Scotland, and for once at least, beautiful weather to enjoy it at it’s best.
Bothwell 28th April 24
On Sunday 28 th April a group of twelve Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a lovely 4 mile walk at Bothwell. They parked at Bothwell Castle, enjoying the impressive sandstone castle ruins before walking through Bothwell and down a woodland avenue to the David Livingstone Bridge crossing the Clyde. After crossing the bridge to the David 
Livingstone Centre the group had lunch together in the bright café looking out over the gardens, before visiting the museum at Livingstone’s birthplace, finding out about his origins, early career and expeditions to Africa.
Finally, the ramblers enjoyed a lovely riverside walk, along bluebell covered woodland back past Bothwell Castle to our start point. A great day combining exercise, conversation and education.
Almondell Circular 4th May 24
Five members of Biggar Ramblers set out on an 11 mile walk round the Almondell Country Park. The start of the walk followed the tree and bush lined path which used to be the East Calder to Uphall railway built to feed the old Pumpherston oil refinery and is now part of the Shale Trail. The group stopped on the Almondell Viaduct to take in views of the river Almond below and the canal feeder aqueduct which carries water through a cast-iron trough to the Union Canal. After reaching Uphall, the walk followed a series of paths and minor roads which led to the Union Canal. After a short stretch along the canal, the magnificent Lin’s Mill Aqueduct was reached. Designed by Hugh Baird and with 5 arches, this took the canal across the river Almond, 75 feet below.
The next part of the walk followed the path along the side of the canal feed above the river valley. Here the group spent time identifying the many different plants and bird calls and had a taste of the wild garlic. It was pleasing to see many healthy elm trees flourishing here. The path then led the walkers across the river on the Nelson Mandela suspension bridge and onto the visitor centre which was situated in the converted remains of the coach house and stable buildings which are all that remains of the old Almondell House Estate. The final part of the walk took the group past the Category A historic Naysmyth Bridge, across the river on the canal feeder aqueduct and back to the car park.
Lee Woods 24th April 24
On a beautiful sunny spring morning, a group of 9 ramblers met at Lanark Tollbooth. They walked to the Cartland bridge where they admired a terrific view over the Clyde valley, before turning onto the narrow road towards Nemphlar village where the group found and tasted Allium Tricocum (wild leek). Near the village the group turned right and descended to the Lee Woods.
Tits and a chaffinch were spotted enroute before the walkers admired the beautiful bluebells in the woods, where they could hear the distinctive sound of a woodpecker whilst a tea break was enjoyed before the return to Lanark.
Water ofLeith Walkway 11th April 24
Recently13 Ramblers set out from the Water of Leith Visitor Centre on Lanark Road to walk the first part of the Water of Leith - Balerno to Slateford. After taking the bus from Slateford the party arrived at the start of the walk along from Balerno High School. At the start they saw Graham's Garden looking lovely with spring flowers.The garden was built by the Conservation Trust and by local volunteers in 2007 to commemorate Dr Graham Priestley. The walkers passed Currie Kirk, the site of which has housed a church for over 1000 years. The present church was built in 1785 at a cost of £433! In its day, many mills occupied this whole stretch of the river. Spylaw Park was the lunch picnic stop where Spylaw House is situated. The house was once a mill and home of famous snuff maker James Gillespie. Colinton Tunnel was next on the route with its very impressive colourful murals, a dark tunnel changed into a visual delight. The party then crossed the river into Colinton and Craiglockhart Dells.The paths on the walkway were very good and a bonus was that the weather which 
was warm and sunny. A very nice walk of just over 5 miles away from the City and very different from the next part of the Water of Leith walkway.
Clyde Walkway 20th March 24
Recently, five members of Biggar Ramblers took the bus to Crossford to walk back to Lanark via the Clyde Walkway. The walk began at the Valley International Park in Crossford. They followed the walkway upstream through woodland on some very muddy paths, encountering some recently fallen trees which provided a useful seat for their coffee break. After leaving the walkway the group continued to Kirkfieldbank where they crossed the Clydesholm Bridge before rejoining the path until they finished with lunch at Castlebank Park.
Broughton Heights 24th March 24
Six members of Biggar Ramblers took advantage of a rare sunny Sunday to undertake the 8 mile walk round Broughton Heights. Starting from the Shepherd's Cottage just beyond Broughton Place, the group set off up the John Buchan Way for a couple of miles before branching off to climb up to Broomy Side and on to Green Law and the cairn at Pyked Stane. Visibility was excellent and it was possible to see the snow covered peaks of the Highlands to the North, the Pentlands to the West, and the Eildons to the East. A geography lesson ensued, trying to identify all the peaks! The walk then continued past Wether Law, Brown Dod and Flint Hill, before heading back to the John Buchan Way at Stobo Hopehead. It was then relatively easy going back to the cars at the Shepherds Cottage. After studying tracking devices, it was calculated that a total ascent of 2000 feet and 20,000 steps had been achieved. Everyone agreed that it had been a good day out.
Lamington to Cowgill 16th March 24
A group of 9 Biggar Ramblers had a lovely 8 mile walk from Lamington on Saturday. They walked through the village and across the busy main road before taking the woodland path leading up towards Lamington hill where they had a tea break with stunning views over Quothquan and the surrounding area. The next section of the walk was very peaceful, being far away from general traffic and through a quiet valley until they turned right, on to the access road for Cowgill resevoir, where they took lunch before returning to Lamington.
Lee Pen Innerleithen 24th Feb 24
Six walkers from Biggar Ramblers recently enjoyed the bright winter sunshine and occasionally bracing winds on a steep but short climb up Lee Pen, 502m (1647feet). Lee Pen overlooks the pretty border town of Innerleithen. The visibility was excellent and the climb was rewarded with great views over the Tweed Valley, Peebles and Walkerburn. In the distance they could see the three peaks of the Eildon hills beyond Melrose.
Bonaly/Glencourse circular 15th Feb 24
On a rather wet day, six members of Biggar Ramblers set out for a walk at the north end of the Pentland Hills. Heading south from the car park at Bonaly the walk climbed through pine trees and out onto open hills. An early coffee break was taken in the shelter of the trees by Bonaly Reservoir. The walk continued through Phantom's Cleugh and just before Glencorse Reservoir it headed back through Maiden's Cleugh and out onto open countryside.Still raining, lunch was taken in the shelter of the trees at Whiteside Plantations. The walk then continued back to Bonaly via Clubbiedean Reservoir and Torduff Reservoir. The rain now eased, offering fantastic views of the Pentlands and Edinburgh, stretching from the bridges through to the castle and Arthur's Seat.
Shawhill 7th Feb 24
On a bright frosty morning following a dusting of snow, Biggar Ramblers set out on a short walk up and over Shaw Hill, a hill climb to 370 metres. The route up started from the Nisbet side with grand views over to Cardon Hill and Coulter Fell. Over the top of Shaw Hill they enjoyed views towards Tinto to the north west (where the remains of a snow cloud lingered) and Biggar to the north east. To reach the look-out point for the coffee break the route doubled back through a tree tunnel for views up the valleys to Cardon and Coulter Fell. Much refreshed by a seat in the sun, the group took a steep path down through the trees to join a track through the woodlands to the Church. On the way down, through the trees, the path has bends created by the cyclists enjoying the downhill ride. After joining the wide vehicle path, the signs of bike paths continue, as they cross this track at right angles from the uphill side. Recent storm damage is quite extensive on this side of the hill. Interestingly, in the clearer spaces there are quite a few beech trees that look 5 to 10 years old.
After reaching the Church, the group passed the Commonwealth War Graves and headed along the road to Keepers Cottage, where, greeted by snowdrops, they took the ‘Chinese Walk’ for a pleasant meander along Coulter Water back to the cars.
The bright cold weather and the good mix of open views and sheltered paths through the trees made for an enjoyable four mile walk.
Circumnavigation of Worm Hill 14th Jan 24
On 14 th January Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a sunny wintry walk of 5 miles from the Logan Burn layby near Tweedsmuir. Last time they explored the historical sites: an iron age fort and the ruins of a 16 th Century Bastle house (fortified farmhouse).This time the group were heading up the slopes of Worm Hill to Blakehope Head to explore the ridge along to Wrae Hill before descending to Mosfennan to complete the circumnavigation of Worm Hill. On their way toward the East Grain valley, they saw part of the Talla pipeline as it crosses a burn. Evidence of its construction can be seen just above the burn, where there is an old concrete store that was used for explosives.Near the top of the valley, the group began their ascent to Macfumart Head and the saddle between Blakehope Head and Worm Hill. Here the group enjoyed coffee and a view looking south down theTweed valley.Near the end of the saddle, the group headed off up to Blakehope Head and along the ridge fencing line to Wrae Hill. This new fencing is part of the forestry project in Glenholm and the ridge affords great views down into Glenholm, where lines of machine dug mounds ready for planting are to be seen. This view will change in years to come as the trees grow! The group returned to the saddle and enjoyed lunch before descending steeply to the trees above Mosfennan. There they joined a more level route round the base of Worm Hill, looking east across the valley to Stanhope and Broadlaw as they made their way back to the start point, by which time the sun had faded.
Beescraig Country Park 27th Jan 24
On Saturday 27 th January a group of ten Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a lovely 5 mile walk at Beescraig
Country Park near Linlithgow in Midlothian. Beescraig is an
excellent park with a wide range of
waymarked surfaced paths suitable for all abilities and a modern visitor centre with café, shop,
toilets, and viewing gallery. This made for a very comfortable ramble for a group more used to basic
facilities.
We initially walked from the visitor centre car park down around Beescraig Loch. From there we
followed a number of woodland paths along streams up to Balvormie, the main play and picnic area,
where we had coffee. We then headed for the Western boundary where we left the park to climb
Cockleroy Hill, a small hill of only 280 metres, but with fantastic 360 degree views up the Forth valley
and over Linlithgow with it’s palace and loch. The only problem was very strong gusting winds which
stopped some walkers reaching the summit. On descent we found a much more sheltered picnic
area for lunch, before heading back to the visitor centre and car park.
A very enjoyable day and a park we will use again in future.
Falls of Clyde 10th Jan 24
On Saturday 10 th January ten members of Biggar Ramblers enjoyed an 8 mile circular walk from
Lanark. They parked at Wellgatehead Car Park, and walked towards New Lanark on Braxfield Road before branching off and joining a woodland path that descended to a bridge directly above New Lanark. From there they took a left turn and walked in a clockwise direction along a boardwalk, past Bonnington Power station, and up to the viewpoint over the spectacular Corra Linn Falls. The Ramblers continued to walk on the path above the gorge until crossing the river at a weir by Bonnington Falls where they enjoyed a coffee stop with a great view. On a calm winter’s day with bare woodland they were rewarded with great views of the precipitous ravine and New Lanark, as they followed the river to Kirkfieldbank. There they stopped for sandwiches
on the old Clydesholm bridge, before following the Clyde Walkway path along the river and up to Castlebank Park. Finally they walked walked back to the car park through Delves Park. 
This walk is an old favourite of Biggar Ramblers and once again it did not disappoint even on a cloudy day.
Clydeside Walk to Riverside Museum 18th Jan 24
On a beautiful sunshine winter's day, 6 walkers participated in something a little different. After travelling by train to Glasgow Central station, they made their way to the Clyde, to follow the footpath along the bank, where they had fantastic views of, in turn, the Squiggly Bridge, the Waverley steam ship, the Finnieston Crane, the Hydro and Armadillo SECC, the Squinty bridge, and the Clydeside Distillery before reaching their destination The Riverside Museum and Tall Ship. The group took time to wander around the museum, taking in the many exhibits, then had lunch in the cafe, before retracing their steps to Central Station. Walking distance totalled 5 miles. All agreed it was a great day out.
Lanark Loch and Racecourse 6th Jan 24
On a frosty, but gloriously sunny morning, 21 members of Biggar Ramblers met at the top Lanark Loch car park for a leisurely walk round the loch and then into the surrounding woodland where mince pies and Christmas cake were enjoyed during a brief coffee break. The group then emerged onto the racecourse which was followed to the far end to cross the Hyndford Road and up to Langloch Farm where a light lunch was enjoyed. It was then just a short walk along the racecourse back to the cars. It was good to have been joined by two new walkers and a couple that hadn't walked with us for some time.
