Ramblers rise in the east in Lammermuirs
Duncanrig Ramblers had a dry but cold day for two walks in the east, near the village of Gifford at the edge of the Lammermuir Hills.
The high walk started with a gradual climb up the Hope Valley, passing the Hope Reservoir on to the high moorland with stunning views over the estuary.
Before long the group reached the high point for the day, Lammer Law (529 metres) with its substantial cairn and trig point.
From there, the ramblers had views over the Moorfoots and Pentland Hills, with Arthur’s Seat prominent in the centre of Edinburgh and Fife visible beyond the Forth.
From the trig point the walk gradually descended back on to one of the oldest transportation routes crossing over the Lammermuirs, which runs from Gifford to Carfraemill.
This is the shortest high country route into the highly-populated areas of the Borders from the east coast, hence its usefulness before the dawn of modern transportation.
The descent also took the ramblers into the Yester Estate.
It was the home of the Hay family, inheritors of the defunct Giffard male line, latterly raised to become the Marquises of Tweeddale.
The first Hugo de Giffard’s grandson, Hugh de Giffard, was a magician who built Yester Castle, the ruins and an underground chamber, called the Goblin Ha’, of which can be seen in Yester Wood. The Hobgoblin Hall featured in the poem ‘Marmion’ by Walter Scott.
In 1972, part of the estate and the house were bought by the ItalianAmerican composer Gian Carlo Menotti because of the acoustics of the ballroom.
After his death the house was marketed by his family with a price of between £12-15 million. In 2010, the guide price was reduced to £8m.
On the estate the group passed through Blinkbonny Woods before reaching the coach at Longyester farm.
The alternate walk started at Blinkbonny Wood and followed the ancient track up on to moors.
The group climbed up past Brown Rig and Threep Law, with lovely views of the Forth and Pentland Hills.
After passing below the summit of Lammer Law the group turned downhill into the lovely Hope Valley, with great views of the Hope Reservoir during the descent.
The walk continued down the valley then passed close to East and West Hopes farms with glimpses of Hopes House.
Hopes House is now used as upmarket and corporate accommodation.
Once past East Hopes farm the ramblers continued down the valley, passing over the Hopes Water before meeting the coach at Quarryford Farm.
The group then enjoyed their social break at Haddington.
There are two walks in the Borders on Sunday, December 18. Visitors are welcome.
Check out the www.duncanrig.com for details of the club’s itinerary and activities.