The crutches had been returned. The limp was fading. I didn’t think I could yet run or attempt a penalty kick but I was only 3 minutes slower than usual on the Georgetown circuit.
It was time to try my leg on a wee hill.
When last I visited the Waterloo monument, my children were little angels, I had some non-grey hair and the path was shaded by trees all the way to the summit. All the trees are now gone. So where once I would have seen only stones and trunks there is now a view of the Solway, Loch Kindar, New Abbey and Criffel. The steep climb seems to have become steeper than it was a decade ago.
Once at the top I felt obliged to climb the additional 65 feet of the tower itself. The lack of a parapet at the top had me hanging on like a scaredy-cat as usual, but the views were good (see gallery).
The tower’s inscription reads:
Erected AD 1816
To record the valour.
Of those British, Belgian
And Prufsian soldiers:
Who under
WELLINGTON and BLUCHER
On the 18th of June 1815:
Gained the victory
Of
WATERLOO:
By which, French Tyranny
Was overthrown:
And Peace restored.
To the World.
Now I remember there used to be a sign pointing out the alternative path down. No sign now. The only candidate path was heading off in the wrong direction. Then I spotted a stump of wood about 18 inches high and thought it might be all that remains of the old sign. I set off that way and, lo and behold, a path appeared. Well, there were footprints…at first.
As faint paths do, this one faded out and I found myself stumbling over piles of rotting wood and weaving through unpleasant undergrowth. I suppose is was a good test of the leg though.
I could hear running water and my heart sank at the thought of trying to get across New Abbey Pow. Luckily my navigation was a bit out and I was well short of the pow. I found a wee burn that could easily have been crossed. Even better though, there was a well trodden path running alongside it which led me back to the village.
On the lower reaches there were plenty of lambs and calves about, reflecting the time of year. There were ducks on the pond and even a field of bulls. Spring is here.
2.75 miles 204m ascent (including tower) 1h 2m
