Langholm & Eskdale

Eskdale is easily reached yet seems fairly remote!  It is a very scenic area of Dumfries & Galloway where the region meets the Borders.

Langholm is the largest town in Eskdale and makes a great base for walkers exploring the many trails this area has to offer. Langholm is also a growing centre for arts and crafts and has an excellent, community run, cultural venue – the Buccleuch Centre which holds regular concerts and other events including many genres of music, theatre and cinema.

The River Esk flows through Langholm on its way to the Solway Firth.  Ewes Water and Wauchope Water flow into the River Esk in Langholm so water and bridges feature greatly in Langholm to the extent that one guidebook writer referred to Langholm as a “Little Venice”!

Langholm has many interesting galleries and shops ranging from hand made chocolate to walking sticks!

Walking in and around Langholm

There are many opportunities here for walks of varying lengths and to suit all abilities. From walks in and around the town itself to remote walks in the hills and glens, information is readily available from  the Welcome to Langholm information centre in the town.

Historical Connections

Langholm has many links with the past.  The town became a burgh in 1621 and was once an important centre for cotton manufacture and trade. The town has close connections with Thomas Telford who was born nearby and who was apprenticed to a local stone mason. A Thomas Telford Trail has been created with information panels along the way. A commemorative plaque can be viewed within a doorway in the town designed by Telford.

Neil Armstrong – Visit to Langholm Info Panel

More recently, Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, visited Langholm, seat of the Clan Armstrong, to accept an invitation to become the town`s first and only freeman. An information panel in the town centre tells the story.

One of Scotland`s greatest poets, Hugh MacDiarmid was born in Langholm in 1892. As an adult, he returned to Langholm as often as he could to enjoy the Common Riding. An eye-catching memorial in the shape of an open book has been erected on a hillside above the town. The memorial can be reached by car and there is a small parking area nearby. There is also a Hugh MacDiarmid walking trail in the town itself.

Photo credit-Samye Ling Stupa by Colin Tennant