From: Byrness to Jedburgh
Distance: 16.5m / 26.4km
Cumulated distance: 780m / 1255km
Percentage completed: 65.9
There’s no two ways about it .. today’s walk was a slog. Sixteen and a half miles on the verge of the A68. A verge which ranged from the occasional bit of pavement to virtually nothing. Being a Bank Holiday Sunday the trucks were at least few and far between but it was as if the Monaco Grand Prix had been relocated to the borders of Scotland. Hundreds and hundreds of motor bikes whizzed past me during the course of the day. When I asked one of them where the convention was being held, he replied in a broad Geordie accent, ‘Noh, it’s just right sunny, like’.
The A68
I left the gem of Forest View’s Walkers Lodge and went in the opposite direction to Beck and John who were leaving me for the coast. We’d been treated royally, with the best home-made food, our boots cleaned for us and the warmest of hospitality from Colin. It was a real highlight of my trip. http://www.forestviewbyrness.co.uk
In amongst the Suzuki-dodging there was a hugely exciting landmark today. Northumbria and England came to an abrupt end and I crossed the border into bonny Scotland. The weather came to the party with Sydney skies and sunshine. It put a huge grin on my face.
Taking the high road into Scotland
Walking the A-road however, really took it out of me. Especially in the heat and a return to a full pack. While there was no navigating to do, I found myself constantly checking the map to see how much further there was to go. Putting one foot in front of another became pretty monotonous and for one of the few times along the journey, I found myself really wishing the day was at an end. I did dig in and eventually reached Jedburgh but I’m not sure I could have resisted temptation if a Harley Davidson had pulled up and offered me a lift. Jokes aside, it was one of my more challenging days and I’m glad it’s behind me.
I leave you Gentle Reader with views across the splendid Scottish Borders, where spring has most definitely sprung.
Views across the Borders
Road-side cowslips
Sun streaming through the trees
Black Dog Tails
An action shot today of US Sergeant Justin McGee and Archie running for cover during gun battle in Afghanistan.
I keep getting my Pennine Way mixed up with my LEJOG in this part of the world, but Jedburgh was on my LEJOG walk avoiding the wild walk over the Cheviots – I was walking from Bonchester Bridge, and like you it was a long road walk, albeit on the quieter B6357. From my journal – 1st June 2008:
“The rain started in earnest about half an hour after I set off on the long seven mile road trudge to Jedburgh. I used the radio to relieve the tedium and arrived at about midday still in pouring rain. I went into a café and spent a long time there hoping the rain would stop or ease but eventually I made the move and walked to the camp site (Camping and Caravan Club) which was not far from the centre. I found a perfect flat site about fifteen yards from the laundry room door. The laundry room contained the hot water storage tank and it was like a purpose built drying room. I erected the tent in the rain leaving my rucksack in the laundry room. Next I extracted from my rucksack only the items I needed to sleep and cook that night. I used a large plastic laundry basket to convey these items to the tent in one go leaving the rucksack in the laundry room. Once installed in the tent I was comfortable and secure, and despite continued heavy rain through the night the Terra Nova withstood it all. I was by now developing a great fondness for this tent, and confirm that this still remained at the end of the trip.”
As I sit here sipping my wine and ordering seabass, I have only respect for you, Conrad. I find the days hard and long enough without having to camp at the end of them. You are amazing!
Very well done, Jules. Scotland already – incredible! A tough day for you, though. Hope today and the next days are a bit easier. Xx
It’s weird how one moment it seems to have flashed by and the next I can barely remember life before walking! One more 17 miler tomorrow and then I have the delight of a short day, followed by a rest day. Bliss. xx
Oh what an achievement Jules!! And nearly 800 miles too – what a girl! Never thought to look in Scotland for cowslips, but there you are, this whole journey of yours has been a revelation! Sleep tight and tomorrow is another day. Lots of love xx
Your daily messages have certainly helped galvanise me, Frannie .. can’t imagine what I was thinking when I gave myself three consecutive days of 17 miles to walk. Will certainly sleep tight tonight! Thank you so much. xx
So pleased you got through yesterday Jules and in typical you fashion took more shots of the beauty of the trees and flowers than the beast of that road. Off to walk the beach to Bamburgh Castle today. Enjoy your rest.
Thanks Beck .. so pleased to hear that the coast hasn’t disappointed. You and John did so much for me but most of all it was just magic having you along for three fab days. Can’t tell you how much I appreciated you coming half way round the world to join me. xx
Hi Jules, even on a hard slog day, you manage to introduce me cowslips and Scotland! Thank you my friend for finding beauty even in harshness.
I also wonder if there is a down-ness to the day of losing good friend’s company?
I am sure lots of us can espouse on advice and opinion but you are the one actually walking across a country! With my love and admiration xxx
Thank you, Adi .. I also saw lamas, which made me smile as I remembered us emulating their hair styles together, back in Somerset!! Thank you for your kind words. Will be wonderful to talk for a good long time when I reach the end. xx
Scotland!!! You bloody star! So proud of you Jules xxx
Thank you, gorgeous girl! xx
Jules, your beautiful sketches are so inspiring, they make me wish I was walking it with you! Keep going, you are so nearly there! You won’t know what to do with yourself once it’s done! Maybe you could walk back to Lands End, it’s all downhill from Scotland isn’t it?! 😂
Thank you so much, Claudia! Downhill from Scotland but you also have to read the map upside down .. which I don’t have a talent for! x
Hi Jules, Scotland no less..
A Scotsman inquired as to our journey, answering that we were JOG bound from lands end he exclaimed that thankfully we were over the worst… that being England… ahh well…
Ha ha! I’ve heard that one too! Thanks for your message, Phil .. just don’t know how you did that camping thing!
Jules ! Even after a slog to use your words and 25 km along a noisy busy road , you don’t complain and treat us to gorgeous photos , doing what you always do best and focusing on the positives . Bravo ! Focusing on not being ran over for such a long distance is draining . Speaking if focusing on the positives , at least it didn’t rain cats and dogs the whole day ! Hope there is no repeat of today ‘s pain my friend xx
Thank you, my friend. Not long till you’re with me now, focusing on the positives of Loch Ness! Love getting your messages. x
Top work Jules.
Loving the history most of all. Could I have a digression about the use of Scottish language on the signpost please. Looks a lot like Irish.
Takes one to know one, I guess!!
Hi Jules. It looks like the snow and freezing temperatures are well and truly behind you! But I guess you don’t want record heat either. I love reading your blogs each day and have them saved in their own folder – easy to access! How does one encourage you from so far away except to say I’m in awe and love learning so much from you – and not only about the country you’re walking but also about you. Go Jules!!
Angie, what a lovely email to receive .. thank you for your encouragement. It means a lot. x