Walking towards Newtown from the Leaderfoot Bridge

First Bridge on walk towards Melrose

Second bridge

Having realised we could not walk over the bridge we turned our attention towards going South. There is a pleasant walk under trees along the railway, passing two bridges. But the the track is closed by a huge log I suspect put there by the local farmer who has also attempted to close the road access under the bruidsge by putting a large oil drum filled with coal. I guess its because just beyond that the road to Melrose from the A68 cuts the old railway, see map.
We had to take to the road and come back to the Leaderfoot via the A68 a busy road. There is no reason for the blockage unless its the road so I will try from the other end and see why its blocked.