Earlston from the Black Hill

We wake late, and resolutely stay in bed, more groggy than hungover. Finally, we venture downstairs.

Tom has gone. The place is spotless and the washing up is done. Fi and Archie have laid out a healthy breakfast that we aren’t ready to engage with.

Instead we take a tour of the garden, drink a shot of beetroot juice, and rehydrate with water and tea. Then, back to Earlston for a less healthy brunch of bacon, black pudding, haggis, and egg.

A walk up the Black Hill and through Speedy’s wood clears the mind - helped by the fierce wind at the summit. But I still sneak off for a snooze when we get back.

Kedgeree for tea. And an early night.