Our friend and long-time supporter, Stewart Wilson (aka the Tweed Valley Blogger), has written a fantastic blog about FINDRA and the arrival of Autumn. Stewart started his blog along with his Guided Tours in 2022 to showcase the Borders, Scotland's "best-kept secret."
Autumn is the season for "coorie," a Scottish term for embracing both the outdoors and cosy comforts, much like the Danish "hygge." Stewart shares great ways to coorie with FINDRA while exploring the Borders. Enjoy the read!
Coorie in at FINDRA this Autumn
It’s four year this autumn since I was asked to write my first ever blog for the website of Innerleithen’s outdoor clothing and lifestyle business FINDRA (you can read it here). FINDRA was created by fashion designer Alex Feechan in 2014 as a reaction to the sparse nature of women’s clothing for cycling and other outdoor adventures. The bold designs, primarily in the wonder fibre that is merino wool are a perfect response to the ‘shrink it and pink it’ offering many brands provide. There is something about FINDRA that fits into the ‘coorie’ vibes of autumn perfectly, with the russets, reds and golds of their merino clothing now being supported with the excellent café in their retail space on Innerleithen’s High Street, where a cosy fire, great coffee and a warm welcome always waits. Since opening in 2023 it has become my go to when I want to treat myself to a non ‘council coffee’ or meet up with a pal or business colleague. With the nights drawing in, I wanted to give you some ideas for three perfect autumn hike and bike trips around Innerleithen, all of which capture the FINDRA vibe and are perfectly paired with a hot cuppa and slice of cake at the café…
Hike to Minch Moor
The perfect local half day hike, with enough elevation to make you feel you’ve earned a syrupy latte and slice of tray bake. The bonus of great views from the top and, if you are very lucky, an autumnal cloud inversion in the Tweed and Yarrow valleys below makes this a gem of a way to spend a crisp autumn morning. The Walk Highlands route starts from Traquair, this can easily be extended to Innerleithen by using the Traquair Estates path around Taniel Hill. Remember to take an offering of some silver for the fairies…
Minch Moor circuit from Traquair (Walkhighlands)
Bike to Loch Eddy
The perennial local favourite for riders of all abilities which wears many hats. It can be an epic family adventure, a chilled gravel bike pre brunch spin or the setting off point for a rugged MTB day in the hills. It’s also the finest way to experience the magic of Glen Estate, with your car left well away from this quiet corner of Borders heaven. It’s an autumn classic, with the larches surrounding pretty Loch Eddy adding a splash of colour in the ‘ber months. FINDRA owner Alex is also a fan of Loch Eddy, as you can read in this article from The Herald last year.
Fashion designer Alex Feechan on her love for Loch Eddy | The Herald (heraldscotland.com)
Hike to Glenormiston
The stiff climb up Caerlee Hill rewards you with a picture perfect view of the Tweed Valley, as you can see in the image below which was used in the 2020 FINDRA blog. Follow the track over the saddle towards Glenormiston and you’ll get a great view of the Velvet Hall Alpaca herd, before dropping to the River Tweed and back to Innerleithen. Two hours, lots of variety and just far enough to earn that tempting cake…
FINDRA celebrates it’s 10th birthday on 1 December 2024, and I am sure the team are looking forward to celebrating this impressive milestone. As a wee slice of 2024 icy reality, the future for FINDRA is not necessarily as ‘coorie’ as the vibes the brand has in spades - retail is tough, the cycling industry is far from stable and budgets across the country are being tightened. For us making choices are retailers and consumers, it’s about backing brands, and people, who share our values and provide a quality experience. FINDRA ticks these boxes, and I am delighted to continue to support Alex and team on their journey. Here’s to the next ten years!
Visit Tweed Valley Blogger for more stories on the Borders at Scottish Borders Blog — Tweed Valley Blogger | Tour Guide | Scottish Borders
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Stewart's Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Book
Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie
I do a lot of reading for work, with my head burrowed into Scottish history and nature books, so it's good to have something totally different to give myself a break! When I need to do this I usually turn to detective novels, and usually Agatha Christie. At face value Christie's novels are perfect 'cosy' fodder but the best of them hide a darker side, which creeps up on you and can really make your flesh creep. 'Five Little Pigs' is the peak of crime writing in my view and will reward multiple re-reads with it's twisty, unreliable narration and chilling conclusion. Perfect for darker nights...
Favourite Song
Moments of Pleasure by Kate Bush
I love the music of Kate Bush, a true artist who just defies any categorisation. I was delighted a couple of summers back when Stranger Things used 'Running Up That Hill' and introduced her to a new audience. Recently however I have been listening to her 1993 LP 'The Red Shoes' and the song 'Moments of Pleasure' which is beautiful and has a brilliant message at its core - 'these moments given, are a gift from time'
