Autumn Colour at Dawyck and Merlin's Altar Stone - Grade B+
Details
21 kms hike on good tracks, riverbank and hill paths
400-500m ascent
Moderate pace
Not suitable for dogs
A circular hike from Broughton at the top of the River Tweed valley, which takes in the autumn colours of the Royal Botanic Garden's arboretum at Dawyck (1.5hrs stop, entry ($9/7.50), moving on via the Tweed riverside path to the ancient church at Stobo containing the altar stone on which the wizard Merlin was reputed to have been christened by St Mungo in the 6th Century (see picture of stained glass window). The return to Broughton is via a hill path over the Broughton Heights, with extensive views.
With the possibility encountering livestock almost anywhere on this walk and entries to the arboretum and church, this walk in not suitable for dogs.
For those interested in such things, this is what Undiscovered Scotland says about the historical figure of Merlin:
"Merlin, also known as Myrddin Wyllt, Merlin Caledonensis, or Merlin Sylvestrus lived from about 540 to August 584. He is a figure from Welsh legend who served as a bard before ending his days as a madman, prophet and mystic in the forests of Tweeddale in the Scottish Borders."