Six stalwarts, ably lead by Frank, made a swift cross border foray to visit Langholm – the Muckle Toon. Unusually for this summer the weather remained dry and fine though the humid muggy air encouraged a surfeit of flies probably attracted by our sweaty bodies.

Any thoughts of an easy amble over these rarely visited low and rolling hills were quickly dispelled as Frank & Andy forced a cracking pace over the pathless and tussocky terrain of Mid Hill and Black Knowe.

The hills may be low but they were frequent so a welcome pause was made near Clagberry Hill to view a developing wind farm. The sheer size of the soon-to-be erected vanes and the accompanying industrial development was a sobering sight.

The pleasant hamlet of Bentpath on the River Esk gave a welcome change with a period of easy level walking through the Westerhall estate. All too soon, however, the climbing resumed and after a well deserved lunch stop the day’s high point was eventually reached at 480 metres on Crumpton Hill.

The views were extensive, even giving an unusual distant sight of Skiddaw, as the ridge was followed over Bauchie and Golf Hills. It was with relief and rapidly diminishing fluid supplies that we eventually tackled Potholm Hill before the final gradual descent back into Langholm.

It was a long tough 18 miles with a surprising 4000+ ft. of ascent that took us over 8 hours before we were able to rehydrate in the traditional fashion.