Heron

The last day before the glorious weather breaks so we packed a picnic and headed out, aiming for the Borders.

Taking the road over 'the granites'  (B7007 from the A7) in the opposite way from usual we stopped in Innerleithen and parked by the Leithen Water, where all the cyclists assemble. Hoping to see a dipper I was rewarded by the ungainly arrival of a heron, who provided many photos of greater or lesser quality. This was taken on our return from our stroll along the high street, it was still in position but never appeared to catch anything.

We ate our picnic there, watching butterflies chasing each other (peacocks, a pair of something smaller, maybe speckled wood) orange tips and whites.

From there we drove along Traquair Road, past the Trails car park, turning left, heading east along the south of the Tweed. Being on a minor country road it was wise to take our time - slowing down for several bikes, a few cars coming towards us and a group of horses in our direction, gave ample opportunity to admire the scenery and the lambs.

In Galashiels we stopped for fuel and some basic shopping before joining the A7 to return home, with no other photos than a couple of dozen of the heron.