After a good night sleep, I set up early at 6:45 . There was no wind and it was warm and I noticed a few midges for the first time on my walk. I’d get some repellent when I arrived in Jedburgh. After a kilometre or so, I re-entered England only to cross back into Scotland after another few hundred yards, definitively this time at Dere Street. The Roman road was built by governor Julius Agricola starting in 71 AD to support his unsuccessful foray into Scotland. The foray that ultimately led to Hadrian building his wall.
I then spent a couple of hours walking, mainly descending, through the Cheviot Hills with stunning views in the sunshine on all sides and wild goats to keep me company. Eventually, I came to Tow Ford where I took my shoes and socks off and cooled my feet standing in the ford while filtering water. Then I ate a pork pie and checked my bearings. I was in the right place and had about 8 miles to go to get to Jedburgh. I should arrive early afternoon. I could stay at the campsite and spend a leisurely afternoon with my blog or push on towards Melrose. I didn’t know what I would do yet. I just knew that it was a lovely sunny morning with good weather forecast and that I wasn’t in any hurry.
For the next couple of hours, the views remained lovely and the sun got hotter. There was a fair amount of climbing to do over high pasture, but some walking through woodland, the shade very welcome indeed. By 2 o’clock with 3 miles still to walk I was getting tired and thirsty. I’d drunk both litres of water I’d filtered. I decided that I would definitely head straight to Jedburgh campsite, get a shower, do some washing and relax. Arriving about 3:15, that is exactly what I did.
Perhaps it was the hot day without much wind or simply that I had entered Scotland, but the countries most proliferous beastie, the midge, announced itself again. I had sent my midge spray back with my sister in Cornwall not wanting to carry it 800 miles for no reason. Getting some more had to be a priority tomorrow.
I had a nice Italian meal in the pretty town, took a picture of the house where Mary Queen of Scots once lived and, pretty done in, returned to the campsite for an early night. I intended to start early tomorrow with more hot weather forecast. I wanted to walk during the cool hours of the morning. Of course I might simply sleep in.
Day Summary
Goats and midges. A good meal and an early night.
Discover more from Henry’s very long walk
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