4. Towford

start: Oxnam, Jedburgh
distance: 19 miles
OS map: 80

A mixed terrain route through the scenic Cheviot foothills. The route covers part of Dere Street, an ancient Roman Road. There are no shops or pubs on route. This is worth noting, particularly on a hot summer's day. Although only 35km long there are some fairly strenuous climbs and in total there is 2500ft of ascent.

Start Point:- Oxnam (699 184) Parking near bridge.

From Oxnam cross bridge heading N.E. for Cleuchside. After 2.5km turn right (755 199) heading S.E. Along this road for 3km and after a fairly tough pull turn right onto Dere St at Whitton Edge (740 190). Follow this undulating track (could be boggy after a wet spell or in winter) for 6km to Towford. Cross the ford (slippery) and turn left at the junction. There is a bridge over the river should it be required.

Stay with the road as it wends a way down this isolated valley. Just before Hownam there there is a junction and another valley leads away to the southeast and eventually to an old reservoir (808 168). If you have time to explore then this track continues up to the Border Ridge and on into England but that's another story...

Return to Greenhill and on to Hownam. Go through this picturesque village and turn left over the river (778 194). Follow this quiet road, which involves a seriously steep climb at Over Whitton, to Whitton Edge and Dere St. It's all downhill now, except for some short 'up bits', on the return to Oxnam.

w k dodds, lauder

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