THREE stalwart walkers are on a mission to make sure local and visiting ramblers have safe and enjoyable walks in Eskdale.
The waymarked walks, which run from Canonbie to the Ewes valley and many points in between, were in need of repair.
Gavin Graham, chairman of Langholm Walks, along with Mike Tinker and Charlie Graham, have spent the previous two Mondays working on the Old Irvine walk and have replaced about 20 sets of arrows on the marker posts.
Gavin said: “In 2017 and 2018 the Langholm Walks Group set out to repair the network of 14 walks in our Langholm and Eskdale Walks booklet.
“This was completed with the help of the Dumfries and Galloway Council access team and, in particular, ranger Ross Gemmell who did most of the work.
“It was pointed out after the work was completed that, although we had repaired stiles, duckboards, gates and steps, the only thing which still needed improving was the arrows on the posts.
“These were beginning to get a bit the worse for wear after being in all kinds of weather for 19 years.
“With support from the Stevenson Trust we bought 15 sets of numbered arrows for our 14 walks and the proposed new walk, which will, hopefully, be in place in 2020.
“All that was needed was for three stalwart walkers to set out on the 90 plus miles of the Langholm walks network and replace all the numbered arrows.
“This was no mean feat and bad weather in autumn and winter 2018/19 hampered the job but it is now nearly complete.
“Only three walks are still to do and, with luck and good weather, this will be finished this summer.”