wild about walking

Helen Farmer knows more than most about hill walking in the Tweed Valley. Owner of Out & About, she has been providing high-quality equipment, clothing and sage advice to outdoor adventurers for over 30 years. Discover two of Helen’s favourite walks perfect for the spring.

Name: Helen Farmer

Day job: Owner, Out & About

How long lived in the Tweed Valley? More than 30 years

Specialist subject? Hill walking

Favourite hill walks for springtime? Exploring the quiet side valleys of the Upper Tweed is always good in spring as long as you are courteous to farmers hard at work with lambing. Favourites are either a wander along the old right of way near picturesque Newlands Kirk in Lyne or a big day out in our tallest hills that reach over 800m at the head of Manor.

What makes them so special? In Lyne, the woodlands are just coming to life at this time of year. A short diversion from the track brings you to the summit of diminutive Whiteside Hill where there is a fine example of one of the many Iron Age Forts that dot the Tweed Valley. Our ancestors certainly knew how to pick a good view! Climbing the Manor Hills is a more serious undertaking requiring proper outdoor equipment and good navigational skills with paths shown on maps frequently proving elusive on the ground. In spring, a northerly breeze can bring fantastic clear skies. Following the ridge from Dollar Law towards the evocatively named Dead Wife’s Grave this can allow far reaching views of distant mountains in the north and west of Scotland.

Who would you most love to spend a day in the hills with and why? He might be more famous for his comedy performances and prowess on the Strictly dance floor but I’ve heard that Bill Bailey enjoys a good walk and, with his interest in nature and music, I reckon he’d be great company on the trails and in the pub afterwards.

Dream hill walking destination if ever enticed away from the Tweed Valley? The Cross Borders Drove Road passes right outside our shop door and connects with several more of Scotland’s Great Trails. One day I’d like to follow them into the Highlands and all the way to Cape Wrath.

Further info

  • We have a wealth of walking information at the Go Tweed Valley Visitor Information Centre in Peebles – from ‘Paths Around’ guides for our local towns and villages, to meatier hikes like the John Buchan Way. If you’re in the area and looking for inspiration, call in for a chat (and pick up a lovely 10% off voucher for clothing and equipment at Out & About in Peebles).

  • If planning a visit to the Tweed Valley, do check out the Out & About website for details of walks – high and low. Keep an eye out too for more incoming information about this year’s Scottish Borders Walking Festival.