Exploring the Moffat Area with your Car

A fairly long drive with beautiful scenery and cultural interest

The Ettrick Shepherd and A Buddhist Temple

Moffat to Beattock back

Distance: 60 Miles
(Suitable for a half-day)

Leave Moffat on the A708, signposted Selkirk.  Not far beyond the hospital, the road rises from the valley of the Annan Water and then descends into the Moffat Water valley which it follows for about 9 miles. This is the finest example of a U-shaped valley in the South of Scotland and the road undulates along the valley floor.

The Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve

After 10 miles, the Grey Mare's Tail tumbles from its hanging valley to the main valley floor.  The path to the left of the burn takes visitors to the bottom of the waterfall, whilst the very steep path to the right goes to the top.  Near the car park several notice boards explain the geology of the region and give details of the flora and fauna.

Watch for the statue of James Hogg on your left

The road now rises to cross the water shed and just past Birkhill Cottage, once the home of the eminent Victorian geologist, Charles Lapworth, descends to the Yarrow Valley.  Between the Loch of the Lowes and St. Mary's Loch is Tibbie Shiel's Inn, a cafe, and a magnificent statue of James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd.

See the wonderful reflections in the Loch

After the statue of James Hogg, continue along the shore of St. Mary's Loch.  After the turning to Tweedsmuir, you will see a sign indicating a footpath to the ruined churchyard of St. Mary's.  It is a short walk, and the views make it worthwhile.  The church was destroyed by fire in 1557, only one service each year is now held there, and only Andersons, Armstrongs, Brydons, Grieves and Scotts may be buried in the graveyard.

The main road follows the River Yarrow as it leaves the loch and continues to Selkirk.  However, you should turn right at the Gordon Arms and follow the B709 to Crosslee and then the Tushielaw Inn.

Eskdalemuir Weather Station

James Hogg was born near Ettrick village and there is an interesting detour by turning right in the village on to the cul-de-sac.  Return to the main road, and turn right again to rejoin the B709 as it wanders through impressively remote countryside to Eskdalemuir, the home of weather and seismic survey stations.

Samye Ling Temple

Turn right to join the B723, signposted Lockerbie, from which road on the left the Buddhist community and temple of Samye Ling can be visited.  It is easily possible, here, to imagine oneself in Tibet, and one does not need to share the Buddhist faith to appreciate the beauty of the temple and the commitment of the community members.

At Boreland, turn right again and follow all signs for Newton Wamphray and then Moffat.  This undulating country road passes close enough to be aware of the motorway traffic, but you cannot envy the drivers on that road who pass through the scenery so quickly.