Biggar to Newbigging
This delightful section of the loop follows perfectly peaceful back roads almost the whole way. There are fine views over the Border hills as you climb, no more than moderately, to Dunsyre in the Pentland Hills.
As a cycling experience it is hard to beat as the road bumps its way around the Black Mount to the head of the Medwin valley.
Distance: 12 ½ miles
Grade: moderate
Terrain: moderate climb out of Biggar to Elsrickle. Beyond Elsrickle the road is undulating. The surfaces are good throughout.
A-roads: 0; B-roads: 1 mile; minor roads/cycle-path: 11 ½ miles.
Walston
There are good views over the Medwin valley from the churchyard at Walston. The church dates from the 17th century and there are some fine examples of portrait headstones from the 18th century.
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Dunsyre
Dunsyre is another picturesque hamlet with an ancient churchyard. William Somervil, a former minister and signatory to the National Covenant of 1638 is buried there.
The present church dates from the 19th century but a set of jougs have been preserved and set into the wall. To be placed in the jougs , the equivalent of the stocks, was a humiliating and uncomfortable punishment for behaviour deemed unacceptable by the church.
The jougs were placed around the offenders neck and set at such a height that it was neither comfortable to sit or stand.
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Little Sparta
One mile beyond Dunsyre is Little Sparta, the former home of the late Dr Ian Hamiton Finlay. In his remarkable garden Finaly expressed his poetry in a concrete form. Works include Nuclear Sail and Aircraft carrier bird table.
Further information: www.littlesparta.org
Newbigging
Look out for the distinctly pagan looking mercat cross which dates from 1693.
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Directions
To view route on google map click here; to download detailed directions click here
Leave Biggar on the B7016, signed for Carnwath.
One mile out of Biggar take right fork.
Follow road to crossroads with A721.
Go straight over at crossroads – signed Walston 1 ¾ .
Continue past Walston school and turn right at next T-junction.
After 4 miles turn left, signed Dunsyre 1, Newbigging 3 ½ . Continue into Dunsyre.
Continue to follow road west to Newbigging and junction with A721.
Route info