| June -
high summer - and a weather forecast that promised rain and
thunder showers. Not what you really want for a walk in the
countryside, even if it is to raise money for a good
cause.
Our prayers were answered, for
as our team of 19 walkers gathered outside the Church on
Saturday 8th, the sun broke through forcing a quick change of
clothing, with many resorting to the obligatory shorts and T
shirt, including myself our intrepid minister Bill Irving.
Ian Dickson had chosen this
years route which headed west from Peebles along the north
side of the Tweed river, past Neidpath Castle. We climbed up
on to the old railway bridge and headed along the disused
trackbed toward Lyne, or at least most of us did! The lead
group so intent on talking completely missed the sign and a harassed
Ian Dickson called almost in vain to get them turn back. I
cannot tell a lie and say that Bill Irving was in that group
along with Church Officer Iain Tait and Bob Jarmson.
We passed some wonderful views
as the path meandered its way along the riverside, though a
few stiles had to be crossed. Tom Smith used his trusty staff
to help him over, only to find that the gates they bypassed
were unlocked most of the time!
We stopped at Lyne
"station", or at least where there was one once, for
lunch. This gave the stragglers time to catch up and the
leaders a chance to select a prime spot down by the river. A
lone fisherman cast his line and it was a faint hope that he
might catch a trout or salmon for lunch, but no we had to make
do with our ham and cucumber sandwiches!
Following a brief exchange of
pleasantries with a group of fellow walkers, we set off again
over the footbridge to head back along the south side of the
river. Yet once again the chatting got in the way of
navigating and would you believe it the lead group once again
headed of in the wrong direction, missing the "Tweed
Walk" sign. I cannot however admit to being blameless
being a member of the second group I also missed the sign but
not so as to be out of RSM Bill's cry to turn round! The lead
group of Iain Tait and Bob Jarmson (again!) were well away and
over the horizon. I believe they reached Kirkton Manor, which
is a fair uphill climb, before realising their error.
A slippy riverside path
challenged some of our elder walkers but we all made it back
to Peebles in a blaze of sunshine, where messrs Tait and
Jarmson looked decidedly exhausted. A visit to the Leadburn on
the way home soon refreshed the parts other drinks cannot
reach.
A total of
£835 was raised.
 |
Click on Pic
Heading out
Stepping out
Round the gate
All together
Over the stile
Over the bridge
Gates open Tom
Come on Ladies!
|
Home
| Services | Church Groups | Events |
News
| History| Contact Us 
