Pennine Loop (8.5 miles)
The Pennine Way runs for 267 miles from Derbyshire to the village of Kirk Yetholm just inside the Scottish border. Indeed it was the first National Trail to be opened back in 1965. This walk takes us around a circular loop at the Scottish end. Kirk Yetholm has an excellent hostel for those wishing to stay overnight.
From the village green, make your way up High Street and follow the finger sign pointing to the Pennine Way. There is also a handy information board here. Proceed out of Kirk Yetholm along a single-track minor road which is officially part of the Way. Ignore a signpost indicating Pennine & St Cuthbert Ways to the left. This is the route by which you will return. After 2 miles of undulations, the tarmac gives way to a rougher surface.
We bypass a farm and then head out into the open hillside where the going switches to grassy paths. The rolling green hills spread out in the distance reminding us that you don't have to visit the Highlands to appreciate spectacular Scottish scenery.
The St Cuthbert's way diverges but the signposts will keep you right. We then arrive at a junction where we return to Kirk Yetholm by the "High Level Main Route" as indicated on the wooden sign. Up until this point we have been on the low-level alternative route. The other direction is of course the main trail south.
The path rises up to the border ridge and we pass through gate to enter England. We parallel the border for a while - marked by a wire fence - and come back into Scotland before diverging left to pick up the minor road on the low-level route and return to Kirk Yetholm. The Border Hotel offers a varied menu and a real ale.
