On Sunday, July 23, 13 members plus one guest walker from Kelso met at Ashkirk Village Hall to form the A Group, writes Derek Sawyers. 

The circular walk planned to go via five local lochs namely Headshaw, Sike, Hutlerburn, Akermoor and Essenside.

With persistent rain forecast from 11.30 the group started promptly at 10, with a steady 350ft zigzag climb over Shaw Hill and then descending to the shore of Headshaw Loch.

Passing the Fishermans Hut we walked around the loch a short distance before leaving. The distance to Loch Sike the next to visit was only 0.8 miles but proved an interesting challenge.

The altitude of the loch is 976 feet and 130ft above the previous loch. The two lochs are connected by a water course which bends its way through a mini gorge with attractive water falls which we followed stepping over many times to reach Loch Sike which is situated in the forest.

On reaching Loch Sike the rain had started as forecast – so time for water proofs.

From the loch we continued through forest glades to the Bishop Stone near the cattle grid on to Hartwoodmyres Moor.

The stone, a large boulder built into a dyke wall, dates back to the 12th century marking the boundary of land owned by Bishops of Glasgow at that time.
It was onward over Hartwoodmyres Moor passing the trig point at an altitude of 1158ft being the highest point of the day.

The moor is managed organically by Oakwood Mill Farm who graze their cattle and sheep over the winter and leave the moor clear of stock over the summer hence the many wild flowers especially the harebells which were to be seen in many pockets as we proceeded over the moor.

The group continued to Hutlerburn Loch, quite small compared to the other lochs. At this point the rain had eased a little and lunch was taken.
Due to the weather, the leader decided to take a slightly shorter option to the next loch.

Instead of going via Hutlerburn Hill we entered Howe Moss, picked up well-defined quad bike tracks and continued to Akermoor Loch which is adjacent to Langhope Wind Farm.

After a brief rest stop it was on to the final loch but we had to cover some rough ground before reaching the Buccleuch Horse Country Trail.
After a short distance on the trail we left to cross the Woll Burn then climbing over a fence originally a gate we continued with a steady climb.

At the top of the climb our final Essenside Loch came into view and from here it was an easy one mile descent to reach the loch.

However, the rain had returned and it was becoming quite misty. At this stage with the weather deteriorating and having achieved the five lochs it was decided to take the road back to the village hall via Salenside to finish a 14-mile walk.

The B Group followed the A’s to start but early into their walk they came across a sheep in difficulty, not being able to help it they diverted to Headshaw Farm for help.

Having resolved this incident they continued north until reaching the Abbey Way, following the Abbey Way via Hartwoodmyres Wood and the Woll golf course they returned to the village hall passing Ashkirk church on the way covering between eight and nine miles.

The next walk on Sunday, August 6, is Hen Hole from Cocklawfoot (OS80) NT854186, meet Newtown St Boswells – council car park – 8.45am for shared transport. For further information contact secretary on 01750 76214.