Langholm and Potholm Hill - Scott Country

[cessna152towser]

Ever since the 15th Century, the Scotts of Buccleuch have played a leading part in the life and development of large parts of the South of Scotland. The countryside estates grew as the result of the Scott's leadership qualities and the need for collective security. Marriage into the Douglases of Drumlanrig family brought the Queensberry Estates into the same ownership. Even today Buccleuch Estates are chaired by Richard Scott, Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry who is also Chief of Clan Scott. Some of my previous walks in the Scottish Southern Uplands which have featured on xmarks have been over lands owned by Buccleuch Estates. A three hour lay over in Langholm between community driving trips allowed me to explore another route.

Langholm Walk Number 4 sets off along the track which follows the valley of the River Esk, passing between Langholm Castle and the Clan Armstrong centre. This is an archive shot from a photothread about the castle and clan centre which I posted here three years ago.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-centre-27440/

First of today's photos.
The track gradually rises through woodland along the west side of the ridge. Now on to open moorland and heading back to Langholm, I face a daunting climb as the walk continues along the top of the 1,000 feet high ridge between the Esk and Ewes valleys.
More to follow shortly.

[BoldHighlander]

...and the Clan Armstrong centre. This is an archive shot from a photothread about the castle and clan centre which I posted here three years ago.

I thought that photo looked familiar Alex!

I can't wait to see the rest!

[cessna152towser]

On top of Potholm Hill, looking back north. The road which can be seen is the A7 tourist route from Carlisle to Edinburgh, as it heads into the distance towards Hawick, following the valley of the Ewes Water.

From the summit of Potholm Hill, looking west there is a view of Potholm Farm and the Esk Valley.

The path continues along the ridge, here looking from the summit of Potholm Hill towards Castle Hill

Langholm from Castle Hill.
We have come full circle and the Clan Armstrong centre is down there somewhere among those trees.
That's all folks.

[creagdhubh]

Simply breathtaking, thanks for the post!

[GMan]

Beautiful.

[Sir William]

Excellent!

We weren't able to get to Langholm last year. I can't wait to return and explore the Reiver country.

[denmcdough]

Wonderful pics, Alex. I can see why fell running is rather popular in Scotland!

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

Alex,

Thanks for posting these. My fair lass (a Scott) and I expect to be there in September and we are really interested in your posts. You give us a lot to look forward to.

Dan

[BoldHighlander]

From the summit of Potholm Hill, looking west there is a view of Potholm Farm and the Esk Valley.

Alex, being an ol' horse cav' guy, I can't help but think when I look at that photo:
"what a great looking place for a gallop!"

Thanks for sharing another of your travels with us.

[Ancienne Alliance]

The more I hear of south of Scotland, the more I appreciate it.

Thank you for the photos, Alex.


best,

Robert