This part of the South of Scotland provides something for everyone.
Walking – Cycling – Nature Watch – Golf – Fishing – Shooting – Biker road trips – Attractions – Events – History
ABOUT us and the AREA – HISTORY:
Lochhouse Farm, as far as we can find out became a working farm in 1859 when the ‘Old Brig Inn’ became a Farmhouse following the mail coaches being taken over by the railway. The farmland extended well beyond the A74 and over the years has been gradually sold off, ending with the compulsory purchase of land for the new Motorway leaving the farm with its present 9 acres. The Farmhouse was originally the dairy house but has taken the name farmhouse since ‘The Old Brig Inn’ was sold and opened as an Old People’s Home in 1975. Since l975 the attached steadings have been in disrepair but are now being converted into dwellings and the ‘old brig inn’ returned to being an Inn although the name has now changed to TELFORD HOUSE to reflect its history.
The village of Beattock was built in the nineteenth century when the railway was being built. The village church, Kirkpatrick-Juxta, Church of Scotland however, can be traced back to 1174 when it was mentioned at a convention between Robert-de-Bruce and ‘Engelram’ bishop of Glasgow. The current building was built in 1798.
Moffat has a fascinating history dating back to 1218 when Robert the Bruce granted land, which is now known as Rogermoor. Moffat well was discovered in 1663 and so it became famous as a spa town, which attracted many visitors. Some of the hotels, which were established to house the visitors during the 17th and 18th century are still offering food and hospitality today.
Dumfries and Galloway has been home to many famous names including Telford who was born in Eskdale and fine examples of his work can be found in the neighbourhood of Lochhouse Farm indeed right next door the old brig inn was built by Telford. Robert Burns lived in and around Dumfries and the family seat of Robert the Bruce being at Lochmaben, and the site of the cave in which he hid not far away. The huge number of castles or ruins of castles in Dumfries and Galloway stand as reminders of the violent history of the area with many Scotland v England battle sites.
ATTRACTIONS:
See: www.visitmoffat.co.uk/things-to-do
Moffat – Tourist Shopping, Park and children’s water feature, numerous Restaurants, Woollen Mill, Green Frog (Hammerlands) outdoor centre and Museum plus an interesting events diary.
Gretna Green Blacksmiths Shop and also an outlet shopping centre
Wanlockhead mining museum and gold panning
Drumlanrig Castle and visitor attraction
New Lanark World heritage village
Solway Coast offers spectacular scenery and sandy coves
Gardens, houses, parks, and nursery’s open to the public abound in the region.
MOFFAT EVENTS and FESTIVALS
Old Well Theatre Scottish Concerts – July to September
Moffat Fun Day – Last Sunday in May
Eden Festival – June Raehills (6 miles away)
CLASSIC CAR RALLY WEEKEND – over 2 days end of June
Galloway Country Fair – Drumlandrig -Castle August
Sheep Races – August
MOFFAT SHOW – last Saturday in August
Lord Dowding Memorial Service – September
Moffat Walking events throughout the year
Moffat Christmas Festival : Last Sunday in November
Click here for full ‘What’s on Guide‘ for Moffat and District:
WALKING:
The Southern Upland Way runs from Port Patrick (Stranraer) in west to Cockburnspath in the east. The half way point being Beattock, the way skirts the boundary of Lochhouse Farm and we welcome walkers to stay at the farm.
For less ambitious walkers Moffat offers some gentle pathed walks. Booklets are available with information about the walks. Dumfries & Galloway offers a whole selection of these booklets covering most of the county towns
The Grey Mares Tail offers a challenging walk with spectacular views but it is advised Wamphray Glen – accommodation moffat that you have experience in walking or that you have a guide.
Devil’s Beef Tub – A huge steep-sided valley north of Moffat overlooked by parking places – good views
St Mary’s Loch – another favourite attraction offering spectacular views
The Forestry Commission in Scotland provide many woodland walks which are marked and some have picnic areas.
GOLF.
Moffat has is own golf course and visitors are welcome. There are many more in the area for the enthusiast.
WILD LIFE
The Dyke Farm Nature Reserve is close by covering 8 acres with ponds, walkways, & hides. Run by the Moffat & District Wildlife Club it is open all year round and is less than a mile away.
FISHING
Licenses are available and there are several well stocked fish farms in the vicinity, As well as river fishing with permission. Gren Frog Activity Centre (Hammerlands) offers: Fishery (course & Fly fishing), Golf Driving Range, Garden Centre, children’s play area & Coffee Shop
CYCLING
There is a cycle network running through the area and the Mabie Forest offers a safe off road track for all the family. Cycle hire is available in various town centres.
WITHIN EASY REACH
Glasgow is just over 1 hour’s drive away and offers shops theatres, cinemas. Its Science Centre is recommended for all ages.
There is a scenic route from Moffat to Edinburgh Via A701 the journey takes an hour and a half.
Purves world of Puppets at Biggar
Caerlaverock Castle and Nature Reserve
Galloway Forest Parks – walking, mountain biking, nature walks, country trails, sculptures etc.
Border Fine Arts Gallery, Langholm
Shambellie House & Gardens – Museum of Costume – New Abbey
There are many coastal areas of Dumfries and Galloway for water sports and others sea-side activities. There are also nature reserves on the coastal edge especially at the Solway Firth.