Leaving the coach in the centre of Melrose we were soon quickly gaining height and out onto the open fellside. A short while later we reached the summit of Eildon Hill North and at 404m we already had our heads in the clouds. Unfortunately this did rather spoil the view, but undeterred it was down and then up again to the next summit with exactly the same result! On the descent, gaps appeared in the clouds and the sunshine lit up individual highlights in the valley. Soon there were blue skies all around. Lunch was taken at a beautiful spot beside a fishing lake where I’m sure the anglers appreciated our company. It was then a super walk back to Melrose through dappled woods and gorgeous meadows, where we were able to see the countryside at its finest with a hare lolloping through a nearby field, deer running across grassland, and the yellow flowers of the gorse bushes enhancing the views in every direction including on the hills just climbed. Meeting up with the B & C parties, refreshments were taken in the warm sunshine in Melrose before the return journey. Thanks Neil for leading us on this fabulous route. As always great company, so thanks to everyone who came along. Good to see a few members who have not been able to join us for a while. Hopefully see you all out again soon!

Christine