Wandering

Today I took Django on what was planned to be a standard walk to Roslin, returning on the bus. However, arriving at the castle, I thought of the low water level in the Clyde yesterday: would it be an opportunity to cross the North Esk and visit Wallace's Cave? Indeed, I found a way to cross the river without getting my feet wet - but only after paddling across! I'll remember the location for future reference...

We followed an attractive path above the south bank of the river that I'd never used, before reaching Wallace's Cave. Where to go next? There was no bus from Rosewell for a while, so we went on to Bonnyrigg, and then dropped through Polton to the Esk Valley and visited Mavisbank (see extra). Last year money was secured to restore it, and today I was pleased to see the notices of "repair to a listed building" attached to the fence around it. I'm excited to see it stabilised at least, and to be able to get closer to it than is possible now. Shortly after, I met a former Head of Maths whom I like, and we chatted for a while. His partner admitted to recognising Django, rather than me, from the last time we met. I told her that I'm used to it...

From Mavisbank, we climbed back up to the old Roslin-Dalkeith railway, crossed Bilston Glen, and took the bus back from Loanhead.

Since returning, I've been relaxing and, now that A has returned, will cook tea for us.