18 set off from Hoddom on a bright crisp Scottish morning.

First and only ascent of the day to Repentance Tower where

Frank enlightened us about one of the incumbents and a brief

history of the scottish slave owners.   Then a pleasant meander

following river Annan and taking in a visit to second oldest

graveyard in Scotland where gravestones carried symbols of skull

and crossbones, similar to that at Repentance Tower.

Having completed this circular historical section, we then

proceeded to follow the Annandale Way and River Annan with

a lunch stop on the river bank bathed in winter sunshine.

A little while later we arrived in Brydekirk village (a typical

Irish looking village including pub in Scotland) made me quite

homesick!!

Alas here, we made a route deviation from the Annandale Way

on to the Core path to Annan which involved some road walking

on final stage but did not mar an otherwise very enjoyable

“flat” walk in lovely conditions – the frost having taken care of

the anticipated mud lined route.

Thanks to everyone for taking part.

Christina