Day 54 Melrose to Fairnilee Farm (south of Caddonfoot) (700 miles completed!)

All three of us walked through Melrose, passing shops and cafes along the way towards Tweedbank railway station, passing Melrose RFC on our way.

We walked alongside the railway line for a while before going over the River Tweed and turning left through a field alongside the river and up some wooded lanes and through the outskirts of Galashiels.

Here, I left Garry and Alfie to catch a bus back to Melrose.

The boys followed the Southern Upland Way over Mount Skep and down the other side through some woodland, skirting Hog Hill and down a farm track , ending up Fairnilee Farm. As they turned a corner, I was turning in with the car. It was a planned shorter day of 8.3 miles for Garry and Alfie and 5 miles for me today. We also managed to avoid the rain!

The Southern Upland Way is a very well marked track through some pleasant rolling countryside (with just one tricky stile to negotiate with Alfie).

We look forward to a rest day tomorrow (to visit Peebles), followed by a Saturday's walk along the River Tweed, through Innerleithen, Traquair, to Peebles, a total of about 16 miles.

We're at a new Airbnb in Walkerburn for a few days, with beautiful views across the River Tweed and up the valley.

700 mile marker passed today! Roughly 2/3 of the walk completed!

Comments

Day 1 Lands End to Penzance

The plan is to make it to John o'Groats by mid-August. Today's planned route. 11.5 miles Lovely weather for our first day of walking. Once we got to Sennen Cove, I found my first 'End to End' coffee and travelled back to Land's End on the bus so I could meet Garry later on. Garry walked through paths in Trewidden and passed a church at Sancreed. Looking back towards Sennen Cove. We found each other for lunch after a little traipse through some fields. Time for a cuppa and feet up before tomorrow's trip from Penzance to Porthleven (13 miles).

Getting ready.....

We have a complete route planned now! We aim to set off from Land's End on 3rd May 2025. We have decided to take on the challenge of walking from Land's End to John o'Groats, starting in early May 2025. It is likely to take 3 months and cover 1200 miles so definitely a big undertaking. Whilst walking, we are taking the opportunity to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. Many of us have either had cancer ourselves or have a family member who has been affected. Garry was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2023 and following a successful treatment is cancer free. Marie's brother Liam, sadly died in April 2024 following a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. We have both had family members and friends who have not survived and others who have made successful recoveries with the amazing support of the NHS. If you are able to donate it may be your donation that funds the research that finds a cure. Whatever you are able to give, we truly appreciate it. Marie, Garry an...

Day 5 Truro to Indian Queens (plus a beach trip)

Going back to last night before today's blog.....last night I visited Truro Rock Choir, led by Marcus Alleyne. There were only 4 other basses there which was definitely different to a usual Rock Choir night at Cheltenham with over 20 basses. It was still good fun and we finished 'Call Me' by Blondie. Marcus Alleyne, Cornwall Rock choir leader and Jenny, Annette and Joy from Truro bass Rock Choir. Onto today's planned route. Garry was walking on his own today as Alfie was still exhausted from yesterday's trek so I took him on a beach visit. Garry walked on mainly small quiet roads and a forest track today. He crossed over the A30 a number times. Meanwhile, me and Alfie took a trip to Mawgan Porth which has a lovely beach where Garry's family spent many family holidays. On the beach, I met Nicki and her husband and we had a lovely chat. Her husband will be cycling Land's end to John o'Groats in July, whilst she is in he back up campervan. Good Luck t...

Garry and Marie walk South to North

Search This Blog