Day 3 of The Lariam Tab saw the route stretch from Hawick across the Scottish Borders to Kielder, a 22.5 mile journey that tested both body and resolve.
The morning began with a steep climb out of Hawick, a reminder that every day brings its own challenges. From there, the path wound through Orchard, Deanbrae, and Bonchester Bridge, before picking up the B6357 past Cleuch Head and on towards Saughtree.
This was perhaps the most isolated leg so far: just the road, the rain, and the silence of the landscape. Yet, even in the quietest places, there are moments of connection.
Along the way, I had the privilege of meeting Oliver Hogg, a 90-year-old gentleman out tending to his horses. Oliver shared memories of his National Service with the 4/7 Dragoons, where he cared for the Brigadier’s horses at Bovington Camp. His story is a reminder that service leaves an indelible mark, one generation quietly passing its experiences to another.
These encounters reinforce why this journey matters. The walk is not just about distance; it is about remembrance, resilience, and community. Every conversation carries weight. Every mile is a tribute. Every step is part of the collective memory of those we’ve lost.
The day ended in the natural beauty of Kielder’s forests, rain-washed but resolute.
We walk these miles in memory of those lost to military suicide, many through the devastating effects of prescribed harm. Their names and stories deserve to be remembered.
Every step is a mile in memory. Every mile is for them.
The Lariam Tab 
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