Andrewhinney Hill

The Winter bothy trip this year saw Over Phawhope bothy being elected. Initial head count was 4 but flu and family commitments did for Craig and Darren, respectively. Thus, Graeme and I hatched a scheme to take in the ridge from Bodesbeck Law to Herman Law, which included this Graham. The M74 was out of service so the drive down took me through Peebles, Innerleithen and then South through the windy roads. I met Graeme as agreed at 1000 and we dropped one of the cars off at the road end, before ascending up on to Bught Hill. I hadn't seen Graeme for some time so we had plenty to catch up on as per usual. In fact, before long we were up on to Bodesbeck Law and we hadn't even got to more serious matters such as Dunfermline FC's form. The sun threatened to cut through the clouds but it would be a full hour before that would happen.

We continued onwards and followed the fence more or less to the end of our route. The best part of the walk for me was the part between Bell Craig and Andrewhinney Hill, where the views opened up to White Coomb, Loch Skene and the Grey Mare's Tail. The Winter scene was truly splendid. That area truly is wonderful and I must get back there again.

We continued on towards the Graham and unfortunately strayed in Scotland's football faux-pas. Pink shirts and shite form meant more of the same dross results under wee Gordy, a likeable but ultimately out of favour manager. When will he get the push?

After Andrewhinney Hill, we began the march over to the 4th Donald of the day, meeting a chap who bade hello but moved on quick. We eyed three hills in the distance - were they the Eildons? One to confirm.

The summit of Trowgrain was impressive, more so than the last hill and within 4.5 hours, we had dropped down and over Cossar's Hill in a snow flurry.

The short drive back to the car saw us exchange day sacks for the heavy sack and us both carrying extra wid into the bothy whereupon we met a work party of 5. Davie, Bryan, Kenny, Beth and Kevin were welcoming and plied us with sloe gin liqueur, the best toasties ever and good banter. At one point, Kenny started talking about the 'little people' and it was at this time, sentence structure disintegrated. I retired at 2300 and had an excellent sleep albeit the head was a little sore the next morning. I intend to come back to this bothy for Ettrick Pen as my last Donald. Cheers G!