34. Eskdalemuir

start: Eskdalemuir
distance: 24 miles
OS map: 79

This takes in part of the Upper Eskdale valley and covers open upland as well as forestry areas. There are plenty of possibilities for exploring forestry trails around here. Perhaps anyone who does could let me have any route details. The route is all on road but there is a possible shortcut over tracks.

Start by the church in Eskdalemuir and head uphill going W on the B723. The top of this uphill section is where forestry land begins on both sides of the road. Access does not seem to be a problem and I'd be interested to hear of other routes around here - the Black Esk Reservoir, for example is off to the R somewhere. Emerging from the trees after a while, a downhill roll brings you into Boreland.

Turn L here and there's an uphill section before dropping down to cross Corrie Water. Uphill again for a mile and a half to Corrie Common. Good views to the W and SW. From here the route goes down to Paddockhole, turns L and climbs back up again. There is a shortcut...

At the last house on the L of those that are Corrie Common there's a track signposted for some picnic areas just by kennels. Take the track heading downhill. It comes out of the trees shortly, goes over open land then crosses a small stream just at the corner of a forested area. A vague track goes off to the R. It comes out by a farm building and you must go in a line now aiming for white farm buildings ahead of you on the hillside opposite. The road is reached shortly. You've got two or three miles on this open upland road before taking a L turn at Bailiehill for a fine run down to where the Black Esk and White Esk meet. There's a car park and picnic area here and again the woods round about could be worth exploring.

It's four or five miles now past Castle O'er back to Eskdalemuir.

jb, galashiels

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