The amazing weather continues. Today I thought I would go to the Far East (of Dumfries and Galloway) and head for the Esk Valley. After passing through Dumfries, I was confronted with the dreaded ‘Road Closed’ signs on the main road to Lockerbie for resurfacing at Torthorwald. Fortunately, having once worked in Annandale for a few years, I knew which back roads to take, and I was soon at Lockerbie. Riding north out of the town, I headed up Dryfesdale until Eskdale came in sight..
The River Esk was quite low after all the dry weather, but I couldn’t visit Eskdalemuir without checking out the Samye Ling Tibetan Centre.
After that, I headed south through the splendidly remote Castle O’er Forest.
Eventually, I reached the main (!) Langholm-Lockerbie road at Paddockhole, and headed towards Lockerbie, passing through the Tundergarth area, in whose quiet fields many of the victims of the Lockerbie air disaster were found scattered. As it approaches Lockerbie, the road has fine views down over the town.
Remembering that the Dumfries road was closed, I took back roads across Annandale. There is a nice little single track road which climbs over the Torthorwald Ridge and has great views across Lower Nithsdale towards Criffel.
Taking the A75 into Dumfries, I rode home by the coast road.
