1 May 2013: 30km. Started 08:15. Arrived 17:00.
The previous day when I arrived, the owner had told me that I would probably meet a “hospital consultant” who was staying overnight. In fact he turned out to be a management consultant, not a clinician. However he was a keen walker who had completed several long distance trails with his wife.
The owner meanwhile was complaining about bankers making too much money, the unduly litigious nature of society nowadays and about Melrose being “too busy”.
I made a quick trip to Co-op for some lunch provisions then walked past the abbey (this is another Border town I would be keen to revisit and explore). I was soon out of the town, following the River Tweed and a disused rail track and then uphill. There was a good path on to a ridge where I enjoyed fantastic views including back to Eildon Hill. This was part of the Southern Upland Way.
I saw Tom again – he caught up with me wearing a fresh pair of boots he had organised to be delivered to a hotel in Melrose. I was just hoping that my boots would last the journey. He had felt tired the previous day too – it must have been the end of the Pennine Way still affecting us and possibly also the warmer weather. I left him to deviate up to Minchmoor for a better view (he had been there before). He was planning to stay at a bothy just before Traquair, whereas I was booked at a small B+B.
My very generous host very kindly gave me a lift to Innerleithen where I had a meal at the pub. He gave me a tour including driving me past the famous Bear Gates of Traquair House. These have been locked since 1745 and are meant to remain locked until a Stuart returns to the throne.
After my meal I wandered down the High Street in Innerleithen before walking back to my B+B. Fortunate that I had said I would walk back as while I had been out their dog had suddenly become unwell and had been taken to the vet.
Where's Kathryn? 