Day 4: Morebattle to Kirk Yetholm

 

The guidebook said of today's leg of the journey that is 'the most strenuous of the Way' and it wasn't wrong. 

 

It began with a bit of a surprise - I thought I was meant to cross this river and was just about ready to take my shoes and socks off and roll up my trousers, but a quick re-read of the guidebook described this as the ford 100 metres before the footbridge over the river. 

 

I was awfully relieved. 

 

 

 

(Mr Pheasaunt, who was out for a jaunt, preceded me on the footbridge.)

 

 

 

The path climbed very steadily up and up for about two miles. There wasn't much respite but I didn't mind stopping to catch my breath and take in the view - which only improved the more 'up' I got. 

 

At the summit was the Wideopen Hill viewpoint which is both the highest point on the St Cuthbert's Way (368 m) as well as the midway point between Melrose and Lindisfarne. So I'm halfway there! The views were breathtaking and I spent a bit of time here before carrying on down the other side. 

 

 

 

I found the perfect spot for an early lunch, sheltered from the wind by a stone wall. I tried to count sheep until I gave up around 300. It's remarkable how many sheep there are in this area yet it looks so empty. There must have been upwards of 4,000 just from my lunchtime viewpoint. And many more than that behind me. 

 

 

 

 

Descending down the hill towards the valley led me past - more sheep. And a lot of wild foxglove, which is probably why none of the sheep complained of angina problems. 

 

 

 

 (The second hill from the right is Wideopen Hill, where I crossed today.)

The trail followed another asphalt road for a short way, along a river, and to just before Town Yetholm where it diverged through a pretty little covered lane and through a riverbed to Kirk Yetholm, which is where I'm staying tonight. 

 

Only 6.25 miles today, which really is nothing at all. Tomorrow will be 13 miles (my longest day of the walk - I am taking this awfully easy, aren't I?) with lots of variety in terrain and so I'm looking forward to putting my feet up in my comfortable hotel in preparation!