A/B Walk
Fourteen of us set out on a mild but murky morning. In view of the
conditions, Nancy and Ming between them had drawn up a replacement walk
for that originally planned - and what an inspired decision that was!
Rather than venturing high into the cloud-covered and leak moorland, we
began walking up the Esk to the Duchess Bridge, all of us awe-struck by
the devastation caused by Storm Arwen. The loss of mature trees was
hard to comprehend. Some of the Langholm Walks will be lost to us for
the foreseeable future.
Following paths at the foot of Castle Hill, we crossed to Ewes valley,
crossing the A7, and taking (wet and muddy) paths to the Target Burn and
up to the Copshaw road under Whita, having lunch in the shelter of the
old quarry. It was cooler by now, and we were happy to be on the move
again, guided by the line of pylons under Whita's west face before
descending to the Broomholmshiels track and back to town for welcome
refreshments in the Eskdale Hotel.
Judging by the level of conversation and frequent laughter, our spirits
were by no means dampened by the conditions. Many thanks to all of you
who ventured north, and to Nancy for leading so ably and organising the hotel.
Ken
