The Muckle Toon
Langholm, under the hills.
On the A7, fifteen miles from Gretna. The hotel is on the High Street.
From the front door
Walk out in the morning.
The Esk is a salmon river. The five hills — Castle Hill, Meikleholm, Timpen, Warbla and Whita — start just outside the town. The Common Riding is the last Friday in July, kept in this form since 1759.
The Langholm area
Countryside on every side.
Walking and cycling
Many walking routes of varying difficulty are mapped out around the town. Mountain and road cyclists have forest tracks and quiet minor roads close by.
Places to visit
The Clan Armstrong Museum is in the town. The Samye Ling Tibetan Centre, a large Buddhist monastery, is a short drive north-west at Eskdalemuir.
Getting here
Langholm is on the A7 tourist route to Edinburgh, fifteen miles from Gretna. A relaxing short break, and a natural stop-over to and from Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands.
Things to do
In the town and around it.
Walks from the town
- Jenny Noble’s Gill — an easy figure-of-eight through town, fields and woods. About 5 miles; no boots needed when it’s dry.
- Langfauld and Potholm — woodland on both banks of the Esk, good for birds. About 5 miles; boots needed.
- Potholm and Castle Hill — up the Esk valley and back over the hills. About 5½ miles; best on a clear day.
- Whita Hill rises straight above the town, and there are town and prehistoric trails to follow.
In Langholm
- The Buccleuch Centre — shows, music and films, with a bar. The restaurant opens early for pre-theatre meals.
- Producers’ market — at the Buccleuch Centre on the first Saturday of the month, 9am to 1pm.
- Langholm Castle — the ruin of a tower built around 1526 from Whita sandstone.
- Hugh MacDiarmid memorial — the poet was born here in 1892; a metal open book looks over the town.
- Langholm Moor — open moorland known for its wildlife.
Days out
- Gilnockie Tower, Canonbie — a 16th-century Armstrong tower house.
- Hermitage Castle, near Newcastleton — the Border fortress Mary Queen of Scots rode to visit.
- Westerkirk — Thomas Telford’s home valley, with one of Scotland’s oldest lending libraries.
- Whithaugh Park, Newcastleton — mountain biking, about half an hour away.
- Gretna Green and the Devil’s Porridge Museum at Eastriggs, towards the Solway.
- Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District are within reach for a day.
The year in Langholm
Worth planning a stay around.
Common Riding
The last Friday in July, kept since 1759. The flute band is out at five in the morning, and the day ends with the flag returned at the town hall in the evening. Book early.
Muckle Toon Adventure Festival
Trail running and adventure sport on the hills around the town.
Spring Fling and the bonfire
Open studios across Dumfries and Galloway in spring, including Langholm and Eskdale; and the town bonfire around the fifth of November.
More on the town at Welcome to Langholm.
The name
Why “the Muckle Toon”?
Muckle is Scots for large. Langholm was once a large woollen textile manufacturing centre, and the name has stayed. It is also a recognised centre for the country sportsperson. Walking, cycling and fishing parties are made very welcome at the Douglas.