Borders break.
With gales and snow forecast for the beginning of the week we abandoned plans for a camping trip to the highlands and opted for a week in the Border Hills instead. As we drove to Symington on Monday the motorway signs advised drivers to 'Make sure your car is ready for winter conditions' and snow ploughs sat on the hard shoulder ready for the worst. On arrival Susan got the fire going and we just had a windy walk down to the river Clyde and up Castle Hill.
Monday night was wild and although it dawned bright on Tuesday we played it quite safe and went to the Broughton Heights for a wee wander. It was breezy but bright as we left the car and the visibility was good. This didn't last long. As we reached the first top -Trahenna Hill - the sky darkened, the wind picked up and it started to snow. From here to the summit of Hammer Head was hard going as we were buffeted by the wind and blinded by the snow but it was good to be out. We decided to descend from the summit and as we did there was a short break in the weather but the heavy winter showers continued on and off for the rest of the day.
Tuesday night was another wild one with strong winds and snow showers. As these were forecast to last all day on Wednesday we settled on another local walk. We headed for Coulter to climb Culter Fell via Fell Shin. It was cold but at least the wind blew us up the hill and it stayed dry. There were even some good views!!
Monday night was wild and although it dawned bright on Tuesday we played it quite safe and went to the Broughton Heights for a wee wander. It was breezy but bright as we left the car and the visibility was good. This didn't last long. As we reached the first top -Trahenna Hill - the sky darkened, the wind picked up and it started to snow. From here to the summit of Hammer Head was hard going as we were buffeted by the wind and blinded by the snow but it was good to be out. We decided to descend from the summit and as we did there was a short break in the weather but the heavy winter showers continued on and off for the rest of the day.
Getting ready for wild weather.
A bright spell at the start of the route.
Heading for the first top - Trahenna Hill - before the snow blew in.
Sheltering from the wind and snow.
Getting blown about on the summit of Hammer Head.
A bright spell on the descent.
Tuesday night was another wild one with strong winds and snow showers. As these were forecast to last all day on Wednesday we settled on another local walk. We headed for Coulter to climb Culter Fell via Fell Shin. It was cold but at least the wind blew us up the hill and it stayed dry. There were even some good views!!
We didn't linger on the very windy summit and dropped quickly back to the Glen. This was hard work into the wind and the occasional hail shower was painful on the face. Despite this it was an excellent wee round.
Spring arrived in the Borders on Thursday which dawned bright and frosty. We jumped at the chance to get out on the road bikes for the first time in 2015. We set off for Peebles knowing that we could shorten the route should Susan's back cause any problems. Thankfully it didn't and we reached Peebles in just over 2 hours. It was cold to start with but we soon warmed up and the enjoyed the spring weather and views all the way.
Once in Peebles we had a Pizza slice and then went to Coco Black for a slice of cake and a hot drink. This made the climb out of town quite hard but it was worth it!!
Our return route took us over the Dreva climb and then through Broughton and Biggar. We could tell that we didn't have many miles in the legs on any wee climb but we thoroughly enjoyed the ride. At 46 miles it wasn't bad for a first outing and Susan's back was fine.
Friday was very dreich so we settled for a day of reading and resting knowing that High pressure was forecast for the weekend. Saturday saw us heading out on the bikes in sunshine. Our route took us on a loop to Moffat and was a good test of our early season fitness. The ride down felt easy but we still deserved a scone and a drink before heading back to Symington.
The return leg was more challenging taking us over the Beef Tub pass and down the a Tweed valley to Broughton before turning for home. It felt harder especially as there was a slight head wind but we were pleased with an average speed of 13 mph for the 63 miles.
As Susan's back had been fine on a long ride and Sunday's forecast was good we decided on an old favourite ride over the Megget Pass to Peebles and back via Dreva. It was cool and misty as we left Symington but after 10 miles the mist cleared and the sun shone from a clear blue sky. The ride past Talla reservoir and over the Megget to St. Mary's Loch was stunning - it has to be one of the best cycle routes in the country.
From St. Mary's Loch we headed for the Gordon Arms where we turned for Traquair. There were lots of cyclists out enjoying the Spring sunshine and brilliant riding. Peebles was busy but we found a quiet spot for some lunch.
The 22 miles back to Symington was hard work especially the hills. We were, however, pleased to have done such a great ride early in the season.
Monday was our last day in Scotland but we wanted to get another ride in before heading down the road. The sun shone again as we left the village to do a figure of eight loop via Broughton. The views were great in the clear air but I could certainly feel the last two days in my legs so it was a good job that we weren't going too far.
Despite the weather early in the week we had a very good break and the 4 days of cycling were fantastic. Hopefully there will be many more over the summer to come.
Heading up Fell Shin on a bright but windy morning.
More like winter than spring - icicles in the foreground.
Being blown towards the summit.
Culter summit.
Descending to get out of the wind.
Always an excellent wee route in the Border hills.
Spring arrived in the Borders on Thursday which dawned bright and frosty. We jumped at the chance to get out on the road bikes for the first time in 2015. We set off for Peebles knowing that we could shorten the route should Susan's back cause any problems. Thankfully it didn't and we reached Peebles in just over 2 hours. It was cold to start with but we soon warmed up and the enjoyed the spring weather and views all the way.
Once in Peebles we had a Pizza slice and then went to Coco Black for a slice of cake and a hot drink. This made the climb out of town quite hard but it was worth it!!
Our return route took us over the Dreva climb and then through Broughton and Biggar. We could tell that we didn't have many miles in the legs on any wee climb but we thoroughly enjoyed the ride. At 46 miles it wasn't bad for a first outing and Susan's back was fine.
On the Broughton Road.
Signs of spring on the Stobo road.
Quiet Border roads - perfect for cycling.
Arriving in Peebles.
Heading back to Stobo.
Starting the climb over Dreva.
Susan approaching Dreva summit.
Happy to be back out on the bike.
Almost back to Biggar.
Friday was very dreich so we settled for a day of reading and resting knowing that High pressure was forecast for the weekend. Saturday saw us heading out on the bikes in sunshine. Our route took us on a loop to Moffat and was a good test of our early season fitness. The ride down felt easy but we still deserved a scone and a drink before heading back to Symington.
The return leg was more challenging taking us over the Beef Tub pass and down the a Tweed valley to Broughton before turning for home. It felt harder especially as there was a slight head wind but we were pleased with an average speed of 13 mph for the 63 miles.
Heading out on a stunning morning.
We followed Route 74 down to Moffat.
Arriving after a fast 30 miles.
A large scone and coffee for me please.
Climbing up to the Devils Beef Tub.
A great climb into the hills.
Posing above the Beef Tub.
Starting the descent down the Tweed Valley.
Following the River Tweed to Broughton.
The bikes in Tweedsmuir.
Almost back in Symington below Tinto hill.
As Susan's back had been fine on a long ride and Sunday's forecast was good we decided on an old favourite ride over the Megget Pass to Peebles and back via Dreva. It was cool and misty as we left Symington but after 10 miles the mist cleared and the sun shone from a clear blue sky. The ride past Talla reservoir and over the Megget to St. Mary's Loch was stunning - it has to be one of the best cycle routes in the country.
From St. Mary's Loch we headed for the Gordon Arms where we turned for Traquair. There were lots of cyclists out enjoying the Spring sunshine and brilliant riding. Peebles was busy but we found a quiet spot for some lunch.
The 22 miles back to Symington was hard work especially the hills. We were, however, pleased to have done such a great ride early in the season.
Heading out on a misty morning.
Clearing mist and pot holed road.
A glorious day - heading for Tweedsmuir.
Talla reservoir on route to the Megget Stone.
One of our favourite roads to ride caught on a perfect day!!!!
Susan starting the steep climb up to the Megget Stone.
Above Talla reservoir and the steepest part of the climb.
Susan heading for the Megget Stone.
Starting the descent to Megget reservoir.
Another great stretch of road to ride.
Megget Reservoir.
The Gordon Arms where we turned for Peebles.
On the road to Traquair.
Heading home with spring in the air.
Climbing over Dreva again.
Back in Symington.
Monday was our last day in Scotland but we wanted to get another ride in before heading down the road. The sun shone again as we left the village to do a figure of eight loop via Broughton. The views were great in the clear air but I could certainly feel the last two days in my legs so it was a good job that we weren't going too far.
Another great day for a ride.
We came the 'Better' way.
The Broughton road and the Broughton Heights.
Climbing out of Broughton.
Culter Fell as a backdrop - great cycling!!
The road back to Tinto hill and Symington.
Despite the weather early in the week we had a very good break and the 4 days of cycling were fantastic. Hopefully there will be many more over the summer to come.
Comments
Post a Comment