An orchid - or two?

Pretty sure this is a Northern Marsh Orchid seen at Ettrick Marshes, Scottish Borders.

This may (or not?) be a fragrant orchid - it was certainly very fragrant, but three of us were not sure whether it was an orchid.

Short ride up the Ettrick Valley

Monday 06 June 2016

A lovely ride on a quiet road. Apart from four timber lorries and a mobile library van, we saw maybe two cars. 

Ettrick Water is a delightful river, much like a mini-Tweed, clear, fast flowing with a rocky or pebbly bed.

The road from Ettrick village is not a through road, and from the cottage to the end of the surfaced road at Potburn climbs very gently. 

Harry rode further along the track  from here, while I sauntered back taking snaps.

The weather started sunny and warm, though we did have a heavy shower before we got back.

Scottish Borders - Ettrick

More than delighted to have done a short (5.6 miles), and strenuous (around 1300 feet of ascent) walk, much of it on tussocky ground which would no doubt include bog after a spell of wet weather.

This was from Elspinhope Cottage, on Cossarshill Farm, along the valley on a track parallel to the road, until we were level with Brockhoperig Farm. 

On the way we saw and heard oystercatchers and lots of skylarks, and heard a cuckoo. There were plenty of wild flowers too.

Common Butterwort

We turned right and headed for the ridge, which we met at Herman Law (614 m) via Cossars Hill and Standtrae Knowe. 

Fabulous views into the Yarrow Valley, with the Loch of the Lowes and St Mary's Loch.

Then down hill over more very rough ground following Cossarshill Burn back to the farmhouse.

Wonderful sunny weather.