Bikers passing Hermitage Castle
Langholm
Ride out east from Moffat, linking up with places round Hawick and Langholm I first visited in the late Seventies. Hermitage Castle has been a particular favourite since then, its massive fortress blocking the Reivers seeking to predate on the valleys below. The architecture draws potential invaders in to fight at close quarters but makes retreat “costly”.
Langholm Moor is big and bleak. I could make out the familiar skyline of the North Pennines, the northern side of the line of Hadrian’s Wall and even the silhouette of Skiddaw far away in the haze to the southwest. While I was riding up there I was cruised by a bird of prey, I think a buzzard; it was flying alongside me for several seconds before heading off. Wonderful experience.
Back via St. Mary’s Loch to the bike-friendly hotel in Moffat. Fantastic roads all the way from the biker point of view: this photoset is about riding the roads so I’m showing the rider’s perspective as well as sights seen along the journey.
Langholm Moor
Hermitage Castle
Eskdalemuir Old School
Whitrope Heritage Centre
Hawick
Alemoor reservoir
St. Mary’s Loch