Dennis no menace to ramblers

TERRY MCGEARY

Storm Dennis may have done its best to deter hikers at the weekend, but he failed to keep Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club members at home.

Made of stronger stuff, the intrepid East Kilbride walkers headed off to Peebles to tackle a low and a high route to the northwest and south-east of the town, respectively.

Both groups headed off from the riverside car park, with 18 low levellers making their way through the streets past the Rosetta campsite.

Their intended circular route took them along the bank of Eddleston Water then westwards up White Meldon, a substantial hill at 427m.

As the walk progressed, and Dennis started blowing increasingly stronger, it was decided for safety reasons to cut out the higher aspect and opt for a lower radio mast hill and take a shortcut.

Towards the end, having had gale and stinging rain blasted at them, the hikers had to wade through knee-deep snow drifts for a short distance.

Meanwhile the high-level group was facing similar difficulties due to the menace of Dennis. The proposed ascent of Hundleshope Heights at 685m was judged hazardous in the worsening conditions and, again, a decision was made to use discretion and quit after Dead Side.

The high and low groups were able to keep in touch by phone and as a result arrived back at the carpark, in driving rain, an hour early within around 20 minutes of each other. The silver lining meant that the warmth and comfort of Peebles’ pubs and tearooms were achieved earlier than expected.

To find out more about getting involved in the club, call Charles on 01355 222 464 or head to www. ololhikingclub.co.uk

You can also drop in to Our Lady of Lourdes Church hall at 7.30pm this Thursday (February 20) for tea and a chat about the group.

The next walk takes place on Saturday, February 29.