Kirkpatrick C2C – 3 day Bitesize Itinerary Central

Langholm is a picturesque town nestling in the hills at the confluence of the Ewes Water, Wauchope Water and Border Esk. The town is a hub for hikers, mountain bikers and bird watchers and a great place to stretch your weary legs. A network of waymarked walks shows off the beautiful scenery. And the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve, encompasses more than 5000 acres of Langholm Moor. Here, a rewilding project is underway, promising a positive future for native species such as hen harrier, short-eared owl, and red and black grouse.

Beside the twisting road linking Langholm with Newcastleton, on the brow of Whita Hill, visitors will encounter a memorial to the poet Hugh MacDiarmid. Born Christopher Murray Grieve on 11th August 1892, MacDiarmid – as he restyled himself – would go on to become a co-founder of the Scottish National Party and one of the foremost proponents of Scottish independence after the union of 1707.

Gilnockie Tower is a stunning example of a Scottish Pele tower. Built almost 500 years ago, and it was home to Johnnie Armstrong of Gilnockie, a notorious Border Reiver. In 1530 this powerful chieftain was hanged by the young Scottish king, James V and his story was romanticised by Sir Walter Scott.

Newcastleton Forest is home to one of the of the seven world-class mountain biking centres that span the south of Scotland. Their award-winning trails offer some of the best mountain biking in the country and attract riders from across the UK and beyond. But if you’re not into mountain biking or have done enough pedalling for the day, this wildlife haven is the perfect setting  for a peaceful picnic with lovely views or a wilderness ramble.

Discover a history filled with intrigue, murder, torture and treason. This awesome, eerie ruin has plenty of tales to tell, thanks to its role as “the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain”.

On the banks of the River Teviot, Eastfield Mill has been a centre of the textile manufacturing for over 140 years. The visitor centre tells the unique and proud story of Johnstons of Elgin, with the chance to touch and feel the different fibres used in production, as well as showcasing the iconic machines used over the mill’s history. Enjoy a tour of the factory and see first hand the talent and special skills used in the manufacture of their luxury knitted cashmere and lambs wool.

Visit the only whisky distillery in the Borders, in the heart of Hawick and take a tour to discover this amazing building. Let the Borders Distillery team take you through their mashing, fermentation and distillation halls, and learn about the design and operation of the distillery. And of course have a ‘wee dram’ to see what you think!

The oldest building in Hawick, built at the time of the Borders Reivers, Borders Textile Towerhouse gives visitors a unique insight into the region’s history of knitwear and tweed manufacture. Displays of fashion, artefacts, photographs and film bring to life over 200 years of tradition and innovation in the local woollen industries. In the early 1700s, the tower became a fine townhouse and, later still, the leading local hotel, the focal point of Hawick’s annual Common Riding.

There has been a church on this site since 1152 AD. The present ruin was built in 1747 and was the parish church until 1861. The Scottish patriot William Wallace was proclaimed “Guardian of Scotland” here in 1298.

Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom is one of our direct links to the great Scottish writer. In this building, Sir Walter Scott sat as Sheriff of Selkirkshire, dispensing justice for nearly 30 years until his death in 1832. The writer was intimately associated with the Borders, with its landscapes and history inspiring his prose and his background in law leading him to take the role of Sheriff-Depute in Selkirk.

The extraordinary home of Scottish legend Sir Walter Scott, the man who gave us the historical novel, popularised tartan & rediscovered Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Sitting on the banks of the River Tweed, Abbotsford is at the heart of a landscape of folklore and legend. It inspired Scott as he became the biggest selling author of his day. Immerse yourself in Scott’s home through our popular audio tours, explore his beautiful gardens, riverside and woodland walks, and indulge in our café, shop and exhibitions.

Trimontium Roman fort was a permanent garrison three times the size of the largest fort on Hadrian’s Wall and for a significant period was the most northerly bastion of the Roman Empire. The site of the fort lies just east of Melrose and is home to the NEW Trimontium Museum. Trimontium was one of the largest concentrations of Roman military-related finds in the British Isles.