A guided circular walk organised by Learmont Mackenzie Travel linking two Elliot Estates in the shadow of Rubers Law: a hill climb and a valley walk.

• Distance 6½ miles
• Grading Easy/Moderate
• Approximate timing 10 am to 2 pm
• Lunch included.

Learmont Mackenzie Travel is an Edinburgh based travel business specializing in day walks and short holiday breaks in the Scottish Borders. Learmont Travel seeks to combine the pleasures and companionship of walking with the history and culture of an extraordinarily diverse region of Scotland. They are delighted to put together a walk for the 2009 Elliot Clan Gathering.

For further details about Learmont Mackenzie Travel visit www.walkborders.com. To view images of Rubers Law and the Rule Valley, click on the Scottish Borders/Rubers Law links.

The walk

The walk is set in the verdant lower stretches of the Rule Valley just a few miles south of the confluence of Rule Water with Teviot Water. The immediate area is delineated by the distinctive features of Rubers Law to the west, Black Law to the East and another curiously conical hill, Bonchester Hill to the South. Our walk – essentially a hill climb, followed by a valley walk – takes us through an area with strong Elliot associations. We can expect some huge views: of the Cheviot, the Eildons, the Waterloo monument and, above Teviot Water, Fatlips Castle.

From Bedrule Kirk, sitting sentinel above Rule Water, we drop down to Wells Lodge, the former gatehouse of Wells House. When the house at Stobs was destroyed by fire in 1712, Sir Gilbert Elliot, the third baronet, was lent Wells House by his father in law, William Elliot, sometimes known as “the Lace-man”. It was at Wells House that Sir Gilbert’s youngest and most illustrious son, Lord Heathfield, was born. We traverse the northern flanks of Rubers Law, before turning sharply south, by Spittal Tower, to make a direct ascent of Rubers Law (424 metres/1392 feet). The panoramic views entirely justify the climb. A pleasant ridge walk is followed by a descent close by Hall Rule, an estate acquired by William Eliott of Stobs, son of Gilbert of Stobs, “Gibbie wi’ the gowden gartins”, the first Elliot of Stobs. Our walk takes us northwards back to Bedrule along the fertile valley of Rule Water. At Bedrule Kirk, we can see Elliot coats of arms and a poignant early 19th century memorial to Eleanor Jane Augusta Elliot, daughter of Sir William Elliot, seventh baronet of Stobs.

Our walk takes us along hill, farm and forest tracks as well as minor roads. On both the ascent and descent of Rubers Law, we can expect to walk over open hill side with no discernible tracks. Walking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended. The overall ascent of Rubers Law from the valley floor is approximately 310 metres (1000 feet).

We finish our walk with lunch at Bedrule Village Hall and a visit to the Kirk.

Meeting point

We meet outside Bedrule Kirk at 9.45 a.m. and depart on foot at 10 a.m.

Lunch

Our walk finishes at about 2 p.m. with lunch at Bedrule Village Hill. Snacks and light refreshments will be provided en route.

Directions

The village of Bedrule is situated between Denholm (4 miles from Hawick) and Jedburgh. The main approach, either from Hawick or Jedburgh, is along the A 698 which runs parallel to Teviot Water.

• From the A 68 (Edinburgh/Jedburgh) southbound, turn right on the A 698 just beyond the Ancrum exit.
• From the A 68 northbound, turn left about 4 miles beyond Edinburgh (signpost Denholm 6; Hawick 10).
• After 5 miles, turn left (sign Bedrule 2).
• If you are approaching from Hawick, take the A 698 eastbound follwing Teviot Water, pass through Denholm (4 miles) and after a mile turn right (sign Bedrule 2).
• Entering Bedrule, turn left up hill (Wells Lodge directly ahead) and cross Rule Water.
• At the T Junction (300 metres up hill), turn left.
• After another 300 metres, turn left again towards the Kirk.

Bedrule Village Hall is on the corner. There is parking space close to the village hall and limited parking by the Kirk. We meet by the Kirk gate.

What to Bring

Walking boots, water and waterproofs are essential. Walking pole/poles, camera, and binoculars may be useful. We also suggest sunhat and suncream if appropriate. We will carry snacks.

Contacts

If you have any questions, please contact Alastair Learmont on 07739 639129 or Kitty Bruce-Gardyne on 07717 473964. You can use these numbers on the day.