Day 31 – Innerleithen to Melrose
📍 Distance: 17.39 miles / 27.99 km
🌤 Weather: Dry, warm with sunny intervals
🕗 Start: 08:03 | 🕒 Finish: 15:00
Today marks the beginning of the second month of this long walk south. A warm, bright morning greeted me in Innerleithen, and though clouds rolled in later the weather stayed kind – ideal for walking.
Last night, I made a conscious decision to push on a little farther than originally planned and finish at our campsite in Melrose, about five miles beyond Galashiels. With that change in mind, I opted for the low road rather than the high, hillier route.
The path wound its way alongside the River Tweed, which was a real highlight. It’s a truly beautiful river – broad and clear, full of character, and teeming with life. Birds flitted through the trees and I discovered a new fisherman’s path that veered off the cycle route and led me through more secluded, off-road stretches.
There was also a sporty theme today, passing by both Gala RFC and Melrose RFC – two legendary clubs in Scottish rugby with proud histories of producing national players.
All in all, a good day. The legs held up well, and the scenery made the miles fly by. Tomorrow I’ll be picking up the Borders Abbeys Way, making my way to Harrietfield and, hopefully, more of this lovely walking weather.
Thanks for following along – more to come tomorrow from the Borders!
