A Two-Pie Walk in the Scottish Borders

A hike on part of the Cross Borders Drove Road in the Scottish Borders. This twelve-and-a-half mile trek takes us from Peebles to West Linton, and passes through the sort of rolling hilly landscape that the Scottish Borders is famous for.
The Cross Borders Drove Road follows an old drove road in the hills that once allowed cattle to be led south of the Border to market for sale. The whole path runs from Little Vantage, to the south-west of Edinburgh, to Hawick, some 82 km or 51 mile longs, or thereabouts. It is perhaps a long-distance walking route that does not see as many hikers as the West Highland Way and other routes, but it is days spent in the peace and quiet of these beautiful rolling hills that makes this more than a bit special.
From Peebles we head north, around Hamilton Hill and close to the ancient fort on White Meldon before entering what felt to me like the quietest, coldest forest I have ever entered. There was just something about that forest. We then emerge into light by the Flemington Burn and make our way between the hills of Hag Law and Drum Maw.
Crossing over the A701 near Romannobridge, the route is far from finished, as we have one final hill - Broomlee Hill - before arriving in West Linton, a lovely scenic village spoiled somewhat by a constant stream of traffic trying to weave through the narrow streets.
A lovely walk made even better by pies from Forsyths of Peebles.

[@davidcressey]

As someone who lives in the beautiful borders and enjoys his trails i have to say this is the undiscovered country... so many lovely trails. Thanks for sharing how great our county is.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Dave. Absolutely beautiful part of the country.

[@user-cv1ih8ew7g]

Man eats two pies in borders🙀, love it, as you say, ye canny beat the borders

[@davidtaylor9198]

The pink marks on the trees indicate which trees have been counted. To ensure whoever is counting them doesn't count the same one twice etc.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks David. I actually thought it was marks for those due to be felled; I hadn't considered the counting thing. Up here in Glasgow we're far more civilised in that we've got trees with numbers on them.

[@Faith_Chi]

It looks so beautiful. I wouldn't mind living there :)

[@L.Basumatary]

It's beautiful the border is.

[@tonym08]

2 pies, 2 maps, 2 coo's and 2 fallen trees what an adventure. Enjoyed your rant about beers. Another great vid. 👍

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Tony. That was a very strange forest.

[@gkmmlc]

Ed, your love of pies would make you very popular in Wigan. Another great video. Thank you.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. I have now penciled-in Wigan as a potential holiday destination.

[@robertdaley1194]

There is a butcher in North Berwick, does very nice pies .

[@andyboyle3536]

Brilliant Eddy good vid. Keep safe and best wishes.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Andy. 👍

[@justandy1035]

Hi Eddie. A great wee video of the borders. Very interesting indeed . As for beers . Scotland as some great wee breweries , just not enough of them. I always buy local where possible . I have tried many a real ale in England , And some are like dishwater . Pebbles is a nice wee place to start a walk was there a few Months back . Great stuff . Cheers

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Andy.

[@slydermartin6008]

"Buy yourself some maps" and learn how to use them! As a mariner the phrase is "if you don't know where you are you can't know where you're going". I consider it rules for the road for every aspect of life. Back to the important subject ( yes the walk was lovely and yes the Countryside is spectacular )... A good Pint! Growing up in the 50/60's there were many local breweries ( not that I drank as a child....not that much anyway👀 ) that eventually were gobbled up by the Corporate Sludge-Meister's. About 30 years ago "Micro-Breweries" appeared and although you had to seek them out it was a refreshing change. 2023!!! From a refreshing change to a "menu" with a 30 something telling me about the Tasting Notes and the Nubians care in selecting the choice hops from secret valleys long forgotten by civilization.... I've been reduced to Oliver Swift...."Please Sir, may I have another pint Sir"? Brilliant as always Ed.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. Your opening sentence is so true. The pretty basic way that I use a map and compass relies on you knowing where you are; because if you don't, you're knackered. Take care.

[@billycrawford6080]

Hi Ed. A 2 pie guy eh 😅. Nice wee walk that Ed and lovely countryside. Them pink spots on the trees might be markers for felling, think you come across a couple that had already been felled ? ,still it was a nice walk and no murky beer this time. Take care Ed and watch them cars 😅. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Billy. Henceforth the unit of measurement for walking distance will be pies. 👍

[@colinblack7049]

Great video Ed, that must've been a tasty pie, nothing was heard but the champing of jaws for a couple of minutes. I thought the pink marks on the trees were marks to let the forestry man know which ones to cut down, but I see in the comments they are counting marks. Fantastic scenery and not another walker to be seen, luxury.

[@davidtaylor9198]

Also, these are fast becoming my favourite vlogs to watch each week. Still waiting on the Alloa/Hillfoots. If i spot you ill oass on some decent ale from the local brewery 👍

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers David.

[@RG-ja34sep]

Enjoyable video Eddy, great to hear you say, “it’s adventure time”! The Scottish Borders is a truly amazing area, and apart from some of the local breeds, you certainly had the whole place to yourself. A mutton pie topped with mash sounds very interesting and tasty, and I could see you were savouring it. Enjoyed the rant/discussion on beers, I really like the fresh flavour of a draught! Your channel is gaining popularity and you are quickly approaching 5500 subscribers, so good on you! Take care Eddy, watch the midges, best regards, Rob.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Rob. Scottish Borders always worth a visit.

[@lewissmith3896]

@@EdExploresScotlandIMHO, Scotland as a whole is worth a visit.

[@Rocenante]

Enjoyed as usual,like John said before all these were pie shops/bakers are sadly disappearing......we only miss them when they are not here anymore

[@robertwright4651]

Another fantastic walk Ed stunning scenery take care until next time

[@EdExploresScotland]

Stunning area of the country Robert.👍

[@allonesame6467]

I took an orienteering course at university many years ago and very much recommend learning how to use a map and compass. Love your videos! Thank you for sharing!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you. Yes, map and compass use are crucial in so many, if not all, long-distance walking trails.

[@johnmull59]

Thanks Ed, very enjoyable. Beer-wise I agree generally better beer down south. I love The Borders and think they are often overlooked by folk driving north. They have a fascinating history particularly around the time of the reivers when huge parts were referred to as The Debatable Lands. I'd recommend reading The Steel Bonnets by George MacDonald Fraser. Forsyths is a fantastic baker and top pie maker too!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers John. Absolutely; the Borders is a stunning area of the country. I often think that whole area of Scotland, like the East Neuk of Fife, was short-changed when Beeching made his railway cuts, making it just a little more difficult to get to.

[@neilmckay8649]

I'm happy to adopt your new measurement unit for walks: pies. Reminds me of a measure I invented while at university and rated a girls attractiveness 😊 after years of research i can confirm that great ale is something England does better than Scotland.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Neil.👍

[@williamwilliam5242]

I want to know how many ticks has eddy burns had to pull off his body with all these amazing video walks? 2 pie 2 map 😅😅 family still lovong your videos🎉🎉

[@williamwilliam5242]

I mean loving not lovong😂😂

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers William. No tics in this walk, but I did pick up one in the last walk between Alexandria and Killearn, probably when sitting on that tree.

[@MrMaharg65]

Great 👍🏼 Walk including a ‘double pie’ scenario 🫡 What score did you give them?

[@EdExploresScotland]

Very good pies Graham. Probably an 8 out of 10.

[@duneideann9241]

Gotta watch out for these electric cars , you don’t hear them coming

[@EdExploresScotland]

Absolutely. That was probably what it was.

[@rogerwilkes9704]

Will a 3 pie walk be a pie too many Ed

[@EdExploresScotland]

Given the recognised standard for pies-per-mileage, which at the time of writing is one pie for every 8 miles, or part thereof, then a 3-pie walk could in theory be anywhere between 17 and 24 miles, so for someone my age a 3-pie walk would indeed be a step too far.

[@rogerwilkes9704]

@@EdExploresScotland A bit O gravy on 2 pies might make you GO further.! No need reply Best wishes Roger Fareham Hants - 1 year retarded now

[@Jamieame]

Hi ed, do u happen to have a wee email i could contact you on?

[@EdExploresScotland]

'Fraid not Scott. What can I do for you?

[@lewissmith3896]

@@EdExploresScotland That intro song is epic. Know it's name?

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Lewis. I generally make the music for the videos myself using Cubase Elements software. The tune has no title.

[@lewissmith3896]

@@EdExploresScotland Oh, Ok. It should have a name, though IMHO.