The Round of Biggar Common

An excerpt from Bike Clydesdale by Paul Lamarra

Introduction

This is a short pleasant cycle around an extended area, to the north-west of Biggar, known as Biggar common. On the way you pass the Shieldhill Hotel, through the hamlet of Quothquan and visit a motte at Wolfclyde.

By the Way

A northerly departure form Biggar necessitates a climb but it is not too demanding. Two miles out of Biggar on the B7016 you may be able to catch a glimpse of Carwood an imposing but ruined mansion house that has associations with the Gladstone family.

Leaving the B7016 you join a minor road which delightfully sheltered and level. At one point the tree overhang to create a darkened tunnel. It is on this stretch that you pass the Shieldhill Hotel. It was once the home of the Chancellor family. The family had to live in the old tower after their mansion house was burned for for supporting Mary Queen of Scots at the Battle of Langside in 1528. The replacement mansion house which is now the hotel was built in the 18th century.

Just beyond the hotel you encounter the hamlet of Quothquan. It never seems to come to a focus as it is strung out along the roadside. At the far end of the hamlet the road forks and an old signpost points the way. Beyond the right hand fork you can see the gable end of the old kirk. The bell is still in situ in the bell tower. The Chancellors are buried in the church aisle.

The descent from Quothquan to the Clyde is a fast one. Thankerton sits on the far side of the river and is reached by crossing the peculiar half-bridge Boat bridge built in 1778 to replace the ferry. On the climb away from the Clyde there are good views of Tinto and Culter Fell. There is a further fast downhill and if you carry on for 200 years at the bottom rather than turning left for Biggar you can surmount Culter Motte hill. The motte is in the care of Historic Scotland.

At first it seems at unlikely site for a defensive installation but once on top you can appreciate the uninterrupted view up and down the Clyde and through to the Tweed. Back track for the return to Biggar.

The Route

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