Distance: 16km
Hey! I’m easing into this okay! What an absolute ripper of a day!
To backtrack. I know what I had in mind when I booked the Plough Inn. A lively Scottish pub brimming with folks whom I could spin a bit of a yarn with and enjoy a pint or two. Not how it turned out. I was the only person booked in, and so thoroughly enjoyed a delicious dinner on my own in the bar. I wondered later whether anybody else actually stayed on the premises overnight, or whether I was the sole occupant in that big, old pub. Regardless, I slept great. And enjoyed breakfast with the works, solo of course, in the dining room. Here’s to meeting some folks to chat with a little further down the track!
A quick stop at the small shop for a days supplies and I was on my way. Once again, the weather didn’t disappoint with the sun beaming strongly and just a mild chill in the air.
It doesn’t take long to start climbing. Up a wee hill, which quickly turned into a large mound which reformed into what I would describe as a mountain. No time like the present to get straight into it! The views were amazing, framed beautifully by the solemn stone walls. I saw my first pheasant! Majestic large birds with long tail feathers and ferociously dark red napes.
Up and up and up!
Up and over the mountain, I began to follow a little used road, enjoying the sound of an adjacent babbling brook. Despite my late start, I’d made really good time and so was resolved to enjoy a pub lunch in Morebattle and while away a bit of time. Unfortunately, the pub was closed. So onto the general store (which was great and had a great deal more variety than the store in Kirk Yetholm) where I devoured a sandwich, drink and conversation with a few friendly locals and hikers.
A physical challenge, an amazing walkway and a bubbly little creek
Walking into Morebattle
It wasn’t a place to just hang around (though I did find out just as I was leaving that there was a picnic area set up out the back), so onwards it was. Before long, there she was. Cessford Castle. A place I’ve been dreaming about for several months now. Always, when I was thinking about this Scotland trip, it would be Cessford Castle, and camping at Cessford Castle, that would pop into my head and motivate me to both plan and train for this hike.
I always think canola fields look incredible
And there she is! Cessnock Castle. A place I have been dreaming about for months.
Now here she is. And she is beautiful. Originally constructed in the 14th century, she boasted walls that were 4 metres thick to keep warring families at bay. Now, she stands, resplendent still in the landscape, many centuries later. It’s still really early, but I just have to stay and see this through. I need to camp at the castle.
Just casually camping near a castle
I wait around for a bit, not at all used to not being able to set up my camp spot right away. The castle is also home to a gang of curious sheep and their lambs, and so I spend some time chatting and getting to know them. It’s windy however, and I’m starting to feel the chill. I Google “When can you set up a tent when wild camping in Scotland?” Mixed response. But I do see a number of posts about leaving no trace being more important than the timing for setting and packing up. Makes sense to me…I pick a surreptitious spot and go for it.
So, tonight I will camp at a castle. And hopefully these sheep now like me enough to leave me in peace!
This article was originally published on The Trek which can be viewed here
Baaaa, baaaa, baaaaa…. just in case the sheep didn’t disturb you all night! Cessford castle ruins will be the first of many evocative sights, I’m sure xx
That dog, Bobby, looks REMARKABLY like Fry’s dog from Futurama, who waited around for him to come back after he was frozen, very similar story.
I really wonder if that was the inspiration maybe?
Good to have ya blogs back man!
I know right! I thought exactly the same thing!