Day 65: Kelso to Melrose

A rather uneventful day today I’m afraid. This is how it goes when you’re off any proper trails. The rain has eased a bit, but not completely, giving me a soaking close to Melrose. 

• Date: 24 May 2024
• Start: Kelso
• End: Melrose
• Miles: 17.6
• Total miles: 854.8
• Accommodation: Melrose Gibson Park

Today started with breakfast from Gregg’s, a bacon and sausage bap with a latte. After enjoying that, I packed up and headed on the roads out of Kelso towards the race ground. I’ve been following the Borders Abbeys Way today, which sounds more interesting than it is. 

The day largely consisted of walking on country roads and tracks. Easy going, but not that interesting. 

It’s obvious I’m in Scotland now as when I pass people and greet them, I can barely understand a word they say. 

I arrived at Dryburgh Abbey, presumably the path I’m following links abbey’s together. You had to pay to get in, so I didn’t bother. 

Just after crossing a bridge over the River Tweed, it started pouring with rain. I only had a few miles to go at this point, so I pressed on. The rain only lasted a short while, but enough to get me pretty damp. 

The rain returned as I approached Melrose Abbey, which I could see from the footpath. 

On arrival at camp, it was so wet that I didn’t even bother trying to set my tent up yet. I instead hid in the laundry room and thought I might as well use the facilities if I was going to be there a while. 

There was a break in the rain, so I dashed over to the tent field and put my tent up before this looming cloud came over. 

I then showered and went to Co Op to get dinner and something for lunch tomorrow (lots of reduced sandwiches). When I came back, there were lots of rabbits in the tent field. It was actually a rather pleasant evening with no more rain. 

It’s not forecast to rain tomorrow, so hopefully I’ll have a better day. I have no idea how entertaining the actual walk will be tomorrow. Onwards to Edinburgh!