Day 3 - Sunday 4 October 2020
Brownrigg to Kirk Yetholm (12.3 miles)
Arising from our slumber and looking out of the window it was hard to believe that yesterday's weather actually happened. The day dawned glorious and we had certainly made one of our better decisions in postponing our walk yesterday. After another hearty breakfast at Templehall, Chris picked us up at 0915 and ferried us over to our finishing point on Friday night at Brownrigg Farm. On the way it was clear to see a lot of surface water on the road and once or twice Chris had to slow right down in order to part the waves over the country lanes, particularly near Eckford.
Leaving Brownrigg we enjoyed a truly delightful walk over lush green fields, through woodland and finally quiet roads back to Morebattle where we had a quick break outside the Institute opposite the village shop. From the village centre we walked past our digs and continued on towards Hownam via a quiet road before turning left and crossing a bridge over the Kale Water. From the bridge we shortly started to climb steeply, firstly to Grubitt Law then the rollercoaster transit over Wideopen Hill & Crookedshaws Hill. Descending into Kirk Yetholm we had to detour slightly to veer around a few stroppy looking cattle before arriving in the village to a welcome drink at The Border Hotel in Kirk Yetholm - a place we know very well. Today had been a fantastic walk in perfect conditions and only on arrival at Kirk Yetholm did the rain start to fall
Chris picked us up at 1600 and after a quick shower we enjoyed a lovely Sunday Roast at Templehall which topped off a superb walking day.
Brownrigg Farm - as can be seen from the sky it looked like we would be in for a lovely day after yesterday's downpour
After leaving Brownrigg, the route heads through small patches of delightful woodland
Quite often when walking through ploughed fields the farmer inadvertently ploughs up the path leaving the walker to negotiate a horrible muddy, tractor tyre track mess. Thankfully that was not the case today - even after yesterday's downpour, this path had remained pretty solid.
The small outcrop of Blakeman's Crag on Cessford Moor
Into the shade for a short while as we handrail Long Plantation
Crossing the burn via the bridge into the tiny village of Cessford
The farm buildings at Cessford
Looking back to Cessford from the farm buildings. It really was lovely & tranquil here.
Cessford Castle
Built in the mid 15th Century, the castle was an L-plan fortified tower and was a stronghold of the Kers who were major players in the many battles back & forth across the border. It should be noted that it is not safe to enter the inner environs of the structure.
Built in the mid 15th Century, the castle was an L-plan fortified tower and was a stronghold of the Kers who were major players in the many battles back & forth across the border. It should be noted that it is not safe to enter the inner environs of the structure.
The Cheviots from Cessford Castle
Another view of Cessford Castle showing the L-plan shape of the structure
From Cessford Castle to Morebattle is just over 2 miles of road walking along a very quiet road
Passing the farm of Cowbog near Morebattle - we have stood in many of them during our walking days
There was no chance of any of us doing anywhere near that speed today!
The curiously named Teapot Street in Morebattle - Fudge has clearly spotted somebody coming out of the village shop with food.
The Kelso Laddie & Jethart Callant are festivals held in Kelso & Jedburgh
A short break in Morebattle as Fudge suspiciously eyes the Choccy Labrador outside the village shop
The War Memorial in Morebattle
Harrow Law & Morebattle Hill
The ford at Kale Water.
There is no point even trying to cross here - anyway, there is a perfectly decent footbridge a mere 100 yards away ..........
There is no point even trying to cross here - anyway, there is a perfectly decent footbridge a mere 100 yards away ..........
................ and here it is.
From the crossing of Kale Water we were now heading to Grubbit Law which is to the left. The hill to the right is Hownam Law.
Looking back on our route of ascent to Grubbit Law
Near the summit of Grubbit Law we stopped for a rest and took the opportunity for a group selfie.
It's such a shame that Fudge has gone all camera shy bless him - as it is he was hoping for food as usual.
It's such a shame that Fudge has gone all camera shy bless him - as it is he was hoping for food as usual.
Angie banging out the steps as she approaches the summit of Grubbit Law
The summit of Grubbit Law looking to Wideopen Hill & Crookedshaws Hill - we were off that way next.
The approach to Wideopen Hill - this was superb walking terrain
Grubbit Law from the approach to Wideopen Hill
Hownam Law
The Cheviots over the Bowmont Valley
There are two choices of path to Wideopen Hill - we took the path on the right hand side of the wall in order to avoid the cattle
Thankfully this lot were the other side of the wall
The cattle equivalent of The Kray Twins
The Bowmont Valley from the summit of Wideopen Hill, at 1207ft it is the highest point on the St Cuthbert's Way
From Crookedshaws Hill the path descended in the direction of Town Yetholm
Kirk Yetholm ahead as we pass through a gate leading - unfortunately - to another meeting with cattle.
Ordinarily cows do not pose that much of a problem but on the odd occasion we have experienced that they can appear either inquisitive or threatening. The best course of action is to give them a wide berth and find another route or diversion.
Ordinarily cows do not pose that much of a problem but on the odd occasion we have experienced that they can appear either inquisitive or threatening. The best course of action is to give them a wide berth and find another route or diversion.
Almost there - soon be beer time
There are two choices of route into Kirk Yetholm. The official route turns off the main road to enter Kirk Yetholm via a farm access track called Back Dykes and open fields although you could just simply follow the B6401 into Town Yetholm then follow the signs for Kirk Yetholm. The hill to the rear of the sign is Staerough Hill.
Yetholm Bridge over Bowmont Water
Just before arriving in Kirk Yetholm we passed this lovely little stone bridge which seems to be totally redundant.
A place we have been to many times - Kirk Yetholm and the famous Border Hotel, the official end (or start) of The Pennine Way
That's better - cheers!
Day 3 Data
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
12.3 Miles
33.4 miles
5hrs 45mins
1564ft (477m)
33.4 miles
5hrs 45mins
1564ft (477m)