45. Langholm

start: Langholm
distance: 27 miles
OS map: 79

A pleasant route all on road wending its way up Eskdale for a while before heading over upland roads to make a circular trail back to Langholm. Part of the route is shared with the Eskdalemuir trip but travelling in the opposite direction.

Starting from the large car park on the Hawick side of Langholm, you need to follow the Eskdalemuir road out of town. As a slight diversion, go to the N end of the car park and cross the bridge past the Clan Armstrong centre heading along a track. Look for a sign on the L for 'Duchess Bridge' - a fairly impressive structure - and follow that track round to cross over it, go L and take the trail to emerge from the woods at the edge of some playing fields. The path leads up to the Eskdalemuir road.

Take the road out to Bentpath, the birthplace of Thomas Telford, and cross the river to the church, built in 1880. Follow the N side of the river now to cross Meggat Water and then re-cross the Esk as you want the minor road signed for Lockerbie.

A bit of a climb now. Ignore the R turn for Castle O'er, much as you might prefer the gradient. Views from up here are extensive - Chapelcross, hills of the North Lakes and so on. Enjoy the cruise down to join the B7068 at Paddockhole. The road is signed for Langholm now though there's still some work to do as you've to climb to over 220m before dropping down to follow the Wauchope Water back to the start.

jb, galashiels

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