A reminder to walkers and cyclists that the Monteath Mausoleum site is open every day of the year. It makes a great destination for a winter walk or cycle ride. There are picnic tables where you can rest your weary legs and admire the views of the Cheviots to the south and Eildon Hills to the north, or watch the sun go down over the Ettrick Forest.

If you have time, collect a key for the huge oak doors from Ancrum Village Shop or Lilliardsedge Holiday Park and say hello to the angels inside the crypt. If you have the kids with you, ask them why one of the lions is asleep while the other is awake.

From Harestanes follow the Roman Dere Street to Lilliards Edge, then the waymarked path to cross the A68 and up through the woodland to the Mausoleum. From Ancrum there are many paths across farmland to the Mausoleum, but please make sure you close all gates and keep dogs on a lead where there are livestock.

The Mausoleum can be seen for miles around in all directions, so even if your map-reading skills are a little rusty, just look up - chances are you will see it on the horizon, even in snow!