David often comments that our day out together is not relaxing as such (certainly not in his interpretation of the word) but I find a good walk somewhere new and different out in nature, far from the madding crowd does me way way more good than sitting on the sofa any day.
Our latest day out walk took us down to the edge of the Scottish English border to Bonchester Bridge, a tiny hamlet just before you tip over into England and kielder. Nine miles from the border it sits in a valley surrounded by gently rolling hills and farm land.
This walk is just over five miles long and took about 3 hours including a leisurely stop atop Bonchester hill where we had our picnic. We weren't pushing it, just taking our time, enjoying the warm sunny day and the views.
We took the road over from Hawick, heading west out the town following the signs for Bonchester Bridge which takes you over a winding quiet road which eventually comes down into the village on the A6088. Once at the T junction you turn right and then right again onto the road signed for Hobkirk, opposite the Horse and Hounds pub (which was featured on tv program The Hotel Inspector a few years ago). A wee bot along this road opposite a tin building you'll find the William Laidlaw Hall and there is plenty parking to the side here.
Once out the car and organised, rucksack with picnic - check, rain coats just incase - check, small ridiculous dog - check, husband - check, we set off along the quiet road heading towards Hobkirk. The road follows the burn and has a few bends before heading past a former school and then Hobkirk (built in 1862) itself comes into view. An impressive church building for the size of the village and a large burial ground surrounding it too where the grass was full of primroses. The other plant to note on this stretch was the crab apple hedges! Coming into flower they were beautiful and I am inspired to find somewhere in the nursery to have a crab apple hedge!
 |
| My new obsession - a crab apple hedge! |
 |
| Hobkirk |
.jpg) |
| Primroses in the burial ground at Hobkirk |
From the church we carried on a wee bit further, past Hartshaugh Mill on the left before turning off the road on the next lane to the right and following the narrow road uphill past some houses towards Nether Swanshiel. We followed this road all the way to the top where you begin to get great views towards Rubers Law and the surrounding border lands. The track curves left with a fork, take the right fork towards some large agricutural barns. Walk along the track between the barns heading to the field beyond. Once past the barns the views to the west also open up and its a great spot to stop for a moment and take in the view.
 |
| Heading up the track to the top of the hill |
 |
| Some locals and Rubers Law in the background |
Once past the barns and into the field, walk forward with the fence on the right, not far along there is a small copse of trees to the right of the fence and just past this a gate. Pass through the gate and walk along the edge of this field keeping the fence on the left this time. Past a small cottage and then there is a style in the fence, hop over here (no problem for Maisie) and onto the track and turn right down the track with the woodland on your left. At the end of this track you come to a junction, turn left here and after a couple of bends you'll start heading down hill with woodland on the left.
.jpg)
.jpg){kind=link}
 |
| Ajuga reptans growing on the verge |
%20-%20Copy.jpg) |
| Trees and shadows |
 |
| David's pet hate, knowing he'll have to go back uphill at some point |
%20-%20Copy.jpg) |
| The bridge heading towards Cleugh Head |
Its all downhill which David hates because he knows it will be back up hill at some point. Here there were plenty wild flowers growing on the verges and sunlight filtering through the old trees. Keep left when a small road joins from the right and in a short distance at another junction turn right signed for Newcastleton. Cross the stone bridge and keep left to head back up the hill (told you). The road passes some lovely houses and gardens, (can never resist a peek over or through the hedge to see what others are growing and eventually at the top another T junction, this time the B6357 appears and take a left here. This road is busier so take care to pay attention to what the traffic is doing. Another junction with a lovely old cottage, take the left again, signed for Bonchester Bridge. Around the corner the views open up again and we could see across the valley to where we walked earlier.
 |
| Great views looking back |
At the top of this field in the corner to the left is another style, over this and keep left along the old wall. Bear right with an area of felled trees and the fence on your left. As always be mindful if there are livestock in the fields. There were sheep across the field when we were there and as always Maisie was on a short lead and we gave them a wind berth until we got to the top of the field. Head for the gnarly old trees ands the tall style crossing the stone wall.
.jpg)
 |
| Nearly at the top |
From here its a short climb up to the top where you can see the remains of some of the old hill fort defences. Once on the top head for the cairn where there are fantastic views in every direction over all of the borders with Rubers Law and the Eildons to the north, the Cheviots to the south east, absolutely beautiful and no sound but the birds, the breeze and the sheep. We enjoyed a leasurly lunch sitting on a rock on the top of the hill, enjoying the views and a Whitmuir sausage roll amongst other things!
.jpg) |
| The cairn at the top with Rubers Law and then the Eildons |
 |
| We made it |
.jpg) |
| Enjoying my well earned lunch |
.jpg) |
| Maisie would like her share too |
The top of the hill is home to two iron age forts, but only the outline of earthworks is visible. The earliest fortification, which excavation showed to belong to the pre-Roman Iron Age, was a stone wall 10 ft. to 12 ft. in width at the base which was built round the top of the summit-knoll to enclose an area. In this phase the fort had three entrances; one, 5 ft. in width, in the NW arc, another of the same size in the NE arc and the third, about 10 ft. in width, in the south arc. All three appear to be original. Finds have included a ring-headed pin and part of a La Tene Ic brooch, suggest that this earliest fort was built, and occupied for a short time, early in the 1st century AD or a little before. Later, further defences were added on the slopes beyond the base of the knoll, possible in late roman or early medieval times.
Trove website - for more details
 |
| Ready to head downhill |
.jpg) |
| The gorse was out and the scent overpowering |
Then it was time to hop over another large style and a very steep and quick descent down the north slope back to the main road. Once on the road we turned left, past more apple hedges (I have now ordered saplings for a hedge) and right onto the main road and back into Bonchester village. Past the pub and a left onto Hobkirk road and back to the car. A grand day out, heading back via Jedburgh and Galashiels for some shopping and supplies before heading home.
#gardentherapy #gardenplanning #seasonaldisplay #embracingtheseasons #aseasonalyear #joyfulgardenmoments #scottishgardens #gardeningontheedge #quercusgardenplants #scottishplantnursery #independentplantnursery #gardeninspiration #gardenideas #scottishgrown #garden_style #inmygardentoday
#rural #countrylife #countryliving #cottagelife #antiquecottagescenes #interiors #scottishborders #independantretailer #smallbusiness #localbusiness #independantplantnursery #uniqueplantnursery #hardyscottishplants #scottishgarden #gardeningontheedge #scottishborders #lifestyleblog #gardenblog If you to see what's new and looking good at the nursery like our Facebook Find out more about the nursery here - our web site: www.quercusgardenplants.co.uk Follow us on Instagram quirkybirdgardener and Quercus Garden Plants |
Comments
Post a Comment