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Jack Frost, Mischief Maker
The mischievous Jack Frost has been out creating his magic while we have slept. Covering trees and other objects with white feathery ice crystals, hoar frost, creating a surreal landscape.
The name is derived from the Old English, har, meaning white or grey with age as the frost looks like white hairs.
And now the science bit……
The feathery crystals are formed when water vapour in the air comes into contact with a surface that is below freezing. Immediately ice crystals are formed and continue to grow as more vapour freezes causing this beautiful phenomenon lighting up when the morning sun hits it.
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3 Years Old Today
3 years ago today (21st November) we unleashed our first self published book, Border Station Walks, on the unsuspecting public. To date we have sold nearly 2 thousand copies and can be bought in more than 10 bookshops throughout the Borders and the Edinburgh area.
It all started as a blog then the idea grew arms and legs and the idea of creating a book was born. Lots of issues to overcome on our journey, some we thought impossible to overcome, but a very rewarding process.
We are both immensely proud of our achievement, so much so that we published our second book, Midlothian Station Walks in September of this year.
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April, Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness month has now been happening for 22 years to raise awareness of the causes and the cures for stress.
A little stress can be beneficial while to much can affect our emotional and physical well being varying from person to person.
One way to help reduce stress is to exercise regularily like going for a short, or long, walk in the great outdoors or even to the end of your street.
The more we walk and talk about our mental health the better all our lives will be.
Further info on a variety of mental health issues can be found at www,nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/
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Explosive Past
Scotlands first gunpowder mill began production in 1795 and was on the banks of the Gore Water at Gorebridge. It produced gunpowder for the Napoleonic wars but closed in 1861.
Roslin Gunpowder Mill was once the largest in Scotland starting production in 1801. For over 150 years it produced gunpowder from the time of the Napoleonic Wars to WW11.
The mills used water from nearby rivers to provide the power for the machinery but are now ruins .
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Off-Peak Fares For All
Don’t delay get away !
From the 2nd of October you will be able to travel with Scotrail at any time of the day on an off-peak ticket. This is a 6 month trial that is funded by the Scottish Government to encourage more people to travel by train.
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/off-peak-fares-all-day-long
This is an ideal opportunity to take the train to do some great walks from the Midlothian Station Walks or Border Station Walks books.
Don’t Delay Get Away!
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Autumnal Equinox
Saturday 23rd September is the day when the sun is directly above the equator and the length of day and night is roughly equal. After this the nights become increasingly longer with cooler temperatures as the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt away from the sun.
In astronomical terms this marks the start of autumn which lasts untill the winter solstice. The most stunning sign of autumn is the leaves turning into vibrant ambers, reds and yellows.
Look out for the Harvest Moon on the 29th September, which is the name given to the first full moon nearest to the autumnal equinox.
Time to get your boots on and head out for an autumnal walk!
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MSW Delivery
We were delighted to deliver a supply of Midlothian Station Walks to The Wedale Bookshop in the heart of the historic village of Stow. This delightful and friendly bookshop is worth a visit anytime but especially now that Border Station Walks has a new companion! Gordon, the owner, was more than pleased to received his new stock – many thanks Gordon !
The bookshop is only 5 minutes from the railway station so don’t delay and visit today!!
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Exciting New Arrival!
Our new book Midlothian Station Walks arrived from the printers today. 22 walks from the 4 Midlothian stations, Shawfair, Eskbank, Gorebridge and Newtongrange.
This is the much awaited sequel to Border Station Walks but has a new look thanks to John from Industry Cottage, Gorebridge, who I am sure you will all agree, has done a brilliant job.
Don’t hang about and grab your very own copy today by visiting our shop.
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May, National Walking Month
So let’s all get outside and start walking in the beautiful Borders where you don’t have to walk for miles to come across some wonderful scenery and wildlife. Time spent outdoors has many benefits for both your physical and mental health, so really is a no brainer.
If you are looking for some new walks, then Border Station Walks is the book for you. Where can I get it I hear you say? Well I am glad you asked because it is available here on our website or at local outlets including but not exclusively :
Reborn café Creative Borders, Galashiels
Abbottsford House, Melrose
Wedale Bookshop, Stow
Main Street Trading, St Boswells
Heron and Willow, Jedburgh
Toppings, Edinburgh
We would love to hear about your adventures and see your photos from the walks so don’t be shy and post them on our Facebook page, you never know there might be a prize for the best story and photo submitted.
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Bluebells
A carpet of bluebells covering the woodland floor is a sure sign that spring has arrived and the vibrant blue colour and scent are more than welcome after the long winter months.
Amazingly, almost half the worlds bluebells are found in the UK and it is illegal to pick or destroy them. In folklore it is said that if you pick a bluebell you will be led astray by fairies and wander lost forever. You have been warned!!
In days gone by the bulb was used as a glue for fixing feathers to arrows and to stiffen the ruff collars in Elizabeathen times.
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New Outlets !
Two new bookshops have opened in the Scottish Borders this week and both are now stocking copies of Border Station Walks ! Heron and Willow is based on the Canongate in Jedburgh and Wedale bookshop can be found on the Galashiels Road in Stow.
Heron and Willow – Jedburgh
Wedale Bookshop – Stow
Apart from stocking copies of Border Station Walks both these shops provide a wide range of books, maps and gifts as well as being well located and beautifully set up, well worth a visit !
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