Day 9. Galashiels - Melrose 20/9

Day 9. Galashiels - Melrose (20 September)

The dawn view from the house at Galashiels

I actually forgot to record this day. I only realised the mistake when back at home updating the blog and adding photos. It is surprising I forgot this day as it was 'kinda' special.

I started the day with a dawn walk around the town.

I left the Carbert's residence in Galashiels mid-morning searching for a place to explore that wasn't Edinburgh - I figured I was going to be there the next day. My Canadian friend Sheila suggested Melrose for a fascinating Abbey and a nice garden to enjoy having lunch. So that's just what I did.

The Melrose Abbey was great. I learnt a bit about the way the monks that lived there. In the middle ages they lived a quiet simple life. But after many knights asked them to pray for the knights souls, the rewards they received corrupted them a little and the extension to the church was so much more elaborate  - you could really sense that corruption.

The Gardens next door

St Cuthbert's Way - Sounded intriguing

After lunch I went for a wander and found myself on a walk up the mountain next to the town - Actually Sheila recommended this as well. Good practice for the Camino - I thought.

The view half way up over Melrose was beautiful.
Notice the Wind turbines on the hills in the background.

Luckily - the signs were a big help.

Went through this beautiful forest - never really sure
if I was still on the right track

By the end of the trip I was feeling rather proud of myself. Met a fellow over the other side in a town called Bowden - the town's name , not the fellow's. He was an architect working from home in this quiet village with his wife, young son and dog who he was walking. The dog, not the son. Lovely fellow and in meeting him this walk was very much like the Camino to follow.

Back at Galashiels I cooked tea for the four of us. We shared stories of the day and relaxed in front of the TV. Here's a map that helps show where I went this day.

 Check out this website:

http://stcuthbertsway.net/walk.html

It may be a good walking trip for the future.