Kelso, Roxburgh, and Cessford

This is night No.43/2019 living in my caravan. It's my 4th night at the Crookhouse Farm CL near Morebattle in the Scottish Borders.

Again, got up around 0600 to fine weather. The longest day of the year too! It was going to be a day of big walking. I had been reading some of the guides and planned to do a long fine circular from Kelso, along the River Teviot, returning by the dismantled railway line from Roxburgh.

Took the dogs in a nearby stubble field and after breakfast, we went for an hour round Bowmont Forest. We then headed into Kelso and parked at the carpark behind the Abbey.

We followed the Borders Abbey Way all the way from Kelso to Roxburgh. It is a great route and a fine walk.

One thing which is unique to the Borders are the number of magnificent bridges. This is the Teviot Bridge as we leave Kelso.

We then followed a lovely path down to the Teviot.

An absolutely stunning riverside walk.

Takes us past the ruins of the huge Roxburgh Castle which sat at the junction of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot.

There are dozens of swans on this stretch.

And quite a few Heron.

We reached Roxburgh, walked up the huge embankment onto the viaduct for the return journey. The remains of Wallace's Tower from the viaduct.

These old railway lines provide outstanding walking.

The old decaying bridges along the route.

Great views over to the Eildon Hills from the elevated track bed.

Made our way back to Kelso and the fine Kelso Bridge.

Designed by John Rennie and completed in 1803, it inspired his later design of the Waterloo Bridge in London. When that bridge was replaced, 2 of the gas lamps were installed on Kelso Bridge. A plaque on the bridge explains the history.

A Tweed fisherman.

Later in the afternoon, I headed out to nearby Cessford to visit the castle I can see in the distance from this farm. I've been to Cessford Castle before (I can't remember it!), as St Cuthberts Way runs past it.

A zoomed shot of the farm I'm on.

Looking up the glen towards the Yetholms.

A spectacular old tree in the castle grounds.

This one was just phenomenal!

A family of sheep who live in the grounds of the castle now.