The forecast on Wednesday was particularly wanting
Neil, Mike and I hit torrential rain in a gloomy West Linton
The pub looked attractive, passing it a frustration
A muddy wet carpark was our real destination
22 Carnethys ran off into the stormy fright
Ross’s idea to entertain us tonight
Another joined us and but in the windy gloom
You couldn’t be sure who had joined, there was no moon
23 now headed further into the night
Baddinsgill reservoir, invisible to the right
Hopping puddles and burns, the wind rose with anger
Gordon sped along, being dragged by Amber
We regrouped higher-up, near Ravendean Burn
Willie stumbled over while catching us alone
My headtorch batteries died but thanks to Paul
Set off up West Cairn Hill with white light into the squall
Up on the summit, searching for a windless abode
A decision to split sent 7 back down Thieves Road
The rest headed across bog, looking for Wolf Crag
A strung out line could have become a snag
Resetting the pace, we headed up Byrehope Mount
The rain eased off for the first time by my count
In the lee of some rocks we gathered and huddled
Some might have preferred to just be cuddled
The final grassy descent to Baddingill Farm
Took us out of the storm’s fury and risk of harm
Food at West Linton was welcome and fun
A splendid end to the Baddingsgill night run
Mark Hartree