Hullo. How are you? I hope you are having a good day. I’m Mark and I’m walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats…
Even before leaving the hotel I was excited about today’s walk; I was to spend the whole day walking along the remarkably beautiful Annandale Way.
I set off early and found the ground still frozen solid, which made the previously muddy riverside footpath an absolute breeze to walk along.
I followed the path, which flips from river bank to woods repeatedly, giving the walker an ever changing view, for a few miles to Brydekirk, where I crossed the empty road bridge to the other side and carried on along the beautiful river Annan.
The temperature was starting to rise a little, thawing the ground and the rain set in for the day. But, with such a stunning walk, my spirits could not be dampened.
At Hoddom bridge, I passed the remains of the church, which is now just an abandoned graveyard – an eerie scene in the middle of nowhere.
It was then a walk through the grounds of Hoddom castle, where the path takes a cliff edge route, with sheer drops to the river below. Much of the path had collapsed making it necessary to leap over gaps and cling to tree roots. I thought this a little odd, imagining someone less adventurous trying to tackle this path and coming a cropper. It was certainly an exciting experience.
Reaching the end of the cliff edge section, I noticed it was fenced off with a warning sign. I guess they either forgot about warning the walker in the other direction or I was demob happy and didn’t notice it.
Gentler times were ahead, with an easy amble around Hoddom golf course before crossing the river once more and joining the trail into the woods.
Along the path from time to time, some clever person had turned the stumps of fallen trees into benches, signs and funky art work, which made for an amusing surprise every now and then.
Leaving the river, I started off across farmland for a short while, which made for another change of scenery.
The Annandale Way then follows the charmingly named river Water of Milk for a short while. A large landslide forced me off the path and into fields, where I spotted on the hill and abandoned grand home. There were copious signs warning and danger and instructing the passer by to keep out. So, I went in.
The building, although in distress, remains mightily impressive. With is red sandstone structure towering above and traces of fine living in the tiled grand hall.
All of the wooden structures, such as floorboards, have long since rotted away leaving bizarre views like the apparently floating fireplace.
Having thoroughly explored, I headed back to the path to make progress towards Lockerbie. The final stretch of the walk took me along rolling hills and through deep, dark woods.
A short stint of road walking made is possible to cross the motorway and into Lockerbie, where I checked into the hotel, showered and headed out to explore the town.
The Day 40 Vlog
Fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Support
As I walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats, I am hoping to raise £10,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support, who do such a wonderful job of supporting families through the most difficult times. If you are able to spare any amount and would like to donate to MacMillan, please do so through my Just Giving Page.
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