Snow and sun '“ cancer charity walkers take elements in their stride

The Selkirk local fundraising committee for Cancer Research UK held its annual sponsored walk on Sunday. A bus took walkers to the Dryhope starting point.

A cold and snowy morning saw 76 participants take to the hills.

The flakes were short-lived, however, and the weather brightened almost immediately, and sunshine and blue skies made walking conditions perfect.

The route follows the Southern Upland Way from Dryhope in the Yarrow Valley to Traquair where the participants receive soup and a Mars Bar (courtesy of the Co-op) to help them refuel before the long climb out of Traquair up past the Cheesewell and then over the Minch Moor to the Three Brethren. Then its back to Selkirk via the Corbie Lynn, finishing at Selkirk Cricket Club for refreshment.

Since it started in 1988, the walk has raised in excess of £140,000.

Organisers are grateful to First Bus for transporting participants to the starting point and Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team for support.

The committee is celebrating 50 years of raising funds this year and have a number of events planned, including a Bus Pass Challenge to be held in June – how far can you travel on a bus pass in 12 hours?

For details of these events, contact Mary Smail on 01750 21616.