What a fantastic day for a 30 mile trot. I normally do this run during the winter months, and have often waded through knee deep snow in parts. Not today. We had a great turnout of 22, and kept a nice steady pace, stopping occasionally to regroup and take in the views. By Bavelaw we had lost 2 who had decided on a shorter day. The path up to the Bore Stane is more pleasant now that the old slippery wooden sleepers have been replaced with a new track. The air was filled with spring birdsong and we saw several buzzards and a lapwing, plus the Lesser Spotted Hubert complete with breeding partner and offspring.
Arriving at West Linton, those that had tired of my chat had just a 10 minute bus wait to escape back to The Steading. The remaining seven runners plus Ross Christie hung about the Co-Op waiting for the Gordon Arms to open. Once inside we enjoyed a fine pint, tea & coffee by the fire. A few groans of stiff legs as we left West Linton, but these were soon forgotten as the best part of the run was to come. We saw no one else until we met a trio of walkers looking at the view down to Green Knowe, and from there it was (almost) downhill all the way to Peebles. We were even thankful for the slight breeze to keep us cool. Not often you hear that in February.
With an hour to kill before the 1610 bus back to Edinburgh we headed to The Bridge Inn for a couple of pints, where the loudest game of Dominos was taking place.
Thanks to Mark for organising this series. Long winter runs are much easier with great company.
Graham Nash
First part – Steading to West Linton, 17 miles
Stunning day. Never mind it feeling like spring, it felt like summer. The prospect of missing the very sporadic bus from West Linton back to the Steading gave impetus to the pace, which Nikki and I didn’t half feel. But happily we were there with a few minutes to spare. I’d have liked to carry on to Peebles but the legs weren’t having any of it.
Digby
Sometimes you get lucky on a run. 22 of us started and were so lucky with something akin to a cool summers day. If summer was as warm as today, you would be happy. The route to West Linton stayed low and is fully runnable on good trials. The pace accommodated the slower folk well. Quite a few dropped out at West Linton to get the bus back while Graham Nash led the remainder to Peebles. I will do this leg in the next few weeks I think, but went home to get a few Km done on my bike. Thanks all, super day.
Mark