Langholm Travel Guide - Scotland

Located in Langholm is home to about 2500 people. You can easily drive to this town by taking the A7 between Carlisle and Edinburgh. Langholm is only about 19 miles from Carlisle and is nestled in the midst of some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland. It is also the perfect base to choose when you want to visit the nearby communities of Canonbie and Eskdalemuir, or the rest of the Dumfries and Galloway region.

One of the nicknames of Langholm is Muckle Toon. This because it grew up around the textile industry that was started here in the later 1700's. It is also the birthplace of Thomas Telford who worked on the construction of the Langholm Bridge and the road that leads west from the bridge is named for him. Albie Tedham, a well–known fiddle player also hailed from this community as did Thomas Hope, who emigrated to America became rich and donated the money for the hospital that bears his name.

The Clan Armstrong Museum is one attraction that history lovers will want to visit when they come to Langholm. Learn about the raiding clans of the region and even though there were several families that lived here, you can find out why the Armstrong's were the clan that everyone feared. Visit Hermitage Castle, just north of the town where you can see where Mary Queen of Scots lived with her first husband.

The rolling hillsides and the moorland make the area around Langholm very spectacular in its natural beauty. The town is a renowned centre for fishing and with the River Esk running through the town you have ample opportunity to relax on the bank of the river. There are waymarked routes so that you can walk around the countryside at any time of the year with twelve different walks that you can take to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air.

There are many annual events that take place in Langholm at various times of the year. Common Riding is one of the great festivals that takes place here on the last Friday in July. There is a parade carrying the four emblems of the community and up to 200 riders follow the Count as he inspects the boundaries of the town. There is also a walking festival and an arts and music festival that draws visitors from all over the country.

Shop for fine art and genuine Scottish crafts at the stores in the town. You will find a numerous types of accommodations to choose from, such as a caravan camp site, bed and breakfasts, hotels and self-catering cottages. The delights of this town and the friendliness of the people will draw you back time after time.