Swimming 122km of the River Tweed, Scottish Borders Day 5 Kelso to Carham

28th July 2021 –Kelso to Carham (9.9km)

Jane and I met on the riverbank early afternoon to undertake the fifth stage of our adventure on the river which was a half day affair to help shorten the last leg of the swim into Berwick (day seven). We were wished well on our journey after an ITV filming captured the event on Borders TV, and our Rotary photographer, Peter. We started slightly downstream from the Kelso Bridge to ensure we missed the weir.

The river at the point of entry was deeper but the condition of the water was the poorest we had been in so far. We were advised that there are deep ledged into the riverbank at this point too which we had to be cautious of. The cauld which followed was very shallow with the rocks incredibly slippery. With the water condition poor, we decided to keep our heads above the water and walk across the stones with a huge amount of difficulty. Our water support for the day was Jim, who suggested an incredibly sensible piece of advice which was for Jane and I to support each other with both arms, widen our base and use each other to balance. What a win!

Once we’d navigated this stretch, the river was forced to narrow as a result of an Island – Wooden Anna- so we got to swim under the A6089 bridge, with our supporters waving at us from above.

The next phase was past one of the most beautiful stretches of river with high banks covered in foliage with overhanging trees and great swimming lengths as we headed past Sprouston, Sharpitlaw Anna and towards Banff Mill.

Banff Mill
Historically, this weir supplied water to Banff Mill, situated a few hundred meters downstream. The area also featured a ford where the river widened, with small islands midstream.
Banff Mill itself stood on the eastern bank of the River Tweed and functioned both as a farm and a watermill. Today, the two-story farmhouse remains as the only surviving structure from the original mill complex.
CANMORE

As per our previous decision, we walked around the industrial infrastructure of the weir, but Jim was itching to go through in his kayak which we had the pleasure of filming for him for prosperity.
The river had a decent flow, so was easy progression as we passed a bank of honking swans and swaying river weed as we headed along a long straight across the Scottish Border toward the English village of Carham.

Carham
The village’s name may derive from Old English, with “carr” meaning “rock” and “ham” meaning “homestead,” though some suggest a Cumbric origin from “kair,” meaning “fortification.”
WIKIPEDIA
A significant historical event associated with Carham is the Battle of Carham, fought around 1018. In this battle, the combined forces of Malcolm II, King of Scots, and Owen the Bald, King of Strathclyde, defeated the Northumbrians. This victory was pivotal in establishing the River Tweed as the boundary between Scotland and England, leading to the annexation of Lothian into Scotland.
BATTLEFIELDS TRUST
Carham is also home to St. Cuthbert’s Church, reflecting the village’s historical and cultural heritage. Additionally, Carham Hall, a notable structure with origins dating back to the 13th century, stands near the village. The hall has undergone various reconstructions, with significant developments in the 18th and 19th centuries. In recent years, there have been discussions regarding its preservation and potential demolition, highlighting its importance as a local heritage asset.
WIKIPEDIA

With the geography of the river having changed considerably we amused ourselves by trying to remain in the centre of the river so half of our bodies were in England and the other half in Scotland.

Davy our land support was waiting for us alongside the church which gave us a little walk up to the road where we mounted the kayak on top of the car, tied it down and headed back to Kelso to drop Jim and Jane off before heading home to Galashiels.