Leadhills to Biggar
A gentle section of the route that follows the Clyde north between Tinto hill and Culter Fell ending in the charismatic market town of Biggar.
Distance: 23 miles
Grade: easy/moderate
Terrain: this section gets started with a long exhilarating downhill from Leadhillls into the Clyde valley at Elvanfoot. The rest of the route is more or less level or gently uphill to Biggar. The minor road from Abington to A702 can be rough in places.
A-roads: 7 ½ miles (longest stretch 5 miles); B-roads: 5 miles; minor roads/cycle-path: 10½ miles.
Crawford
Crawford is an ancient settlement: the Romans built a large fort nearby and Robert II made it a burgh of barony in 1370, which gave it the right to hold markets.
Strung out along what used to be the main road between north and south, Crawford has always been a well used staging post. The Crawford Inn has welcomed many famous patrons including Robert Peel, Henry the duke of Bordeaux (heir to French crown) and Prince Louis Napoleon Bonaparte.
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Castle Crawford
Castle Crawford or Lindsay Tower as it is often known, was built in the 16th century on the site of an earlier motte. Set in trees it is now in a ruined and dangerous state.
It was at one time a royal castle and in 1537 it was the venue for a dinner, given by James V, in honour of the French ambassador.
James V was about to marry his first wife Magdalene of France and, in a gesture that was designed to impress, each guest was presented with a cup full of gold bonnet; the gold having been mined from the nearby Crawford Muir.
Abington
Abington is a pleasant village. Established in the 19th century by the politically influential Colebrook family the overall impression is one of tidy uniformity.
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Roberton
Roberton is a good spot to pull over and picnic. It is a pretty hamlet with an ancient resonance. The bridge dates from the mid 17th century and the church’s circular graveyard indicates that Roberton has been a Christian site since the earliest times.
No services.
Symington
Symington is a delightful village and another good place to stop and rest.
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Culter Motte Hill
An early defensive site probably constructed by Norman settlers in the 11th and 12th centuries. At first it seems to be an unlikely place but once on top you can appreciate the uninterrupted view up and down the Clyde and through to the Tweed.
Biggar
Biggar is an open and inviting town that nestles on a high plain between the river Clyde and the river Tweed. Its wide medieval High Street bristles with activity.
For a town made a burgh of Barony in 1451 it seems peculiarly vulnerable to attack but perhaps congeniality was its defence.
Several Scottish sovereigns are known to have enjoyed hunting in the area while staying at Boghall castle.
There are five museums in Biggar and all but one is maintained by the Biggar Museum Trust.
Moat Park Heritage Centre provides an overview of the area’s Roman and Iron Age history.
Gladstone Court is a hands on museum that recreates the 19th century. A Victorian street with typical shops and a period schoolroom are part of the experience.
The Albion Museum and Archive has some vintage vehicles on display and houses the complete records of the Albion motor company.
Greenhill Covenanter House is a 17th century house that was moved from its original location near Tinto hill to the town’s Burn Braes park. The museum relates the story of the Killing Times – a bloody period when people who supported the National Covenant, and its aim of defending the Presbyterian form of worship, were hunted down by government troops and often summarily executed.
Biggar Gasworks (National Museums of Scotland) were built in 1839 and are the only preserved gasworks in Scotland.
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Directions
To view route on google map click here; to download detailed directions click here
Leave Leadhills by Elvanfoot Road, B7040.
At the end of Elvanfoot Road turn left onto Dumfries Road.
At roundabout take first left and continue under M74. Turn left and join cycle lane.
Leave cycle-path and turn right into Crawford. Continue north on Carlisle Road.
Turn right for Castle Crawford (Lindsay Tower) and Camps reservoir.
Take first left once over Clyde and follow the minor road running with the railway line.
Continue straight on at campsite onto increasing rougher road to junction with A702.
Turn left onto A702. After 500 yards turn right on Bridgend Road and follow short link road to A73. Turn right onto A73 and follow for 5 miles.
Take first right signed for Symington.
In Symington when Abington Road meets Main Street turn right. Follow out of Symington onto narrow road.
At first T-junction turn right and right again at next T-junction onto A72.
Follow A72 for one mile.
Turn left for Coulter Motte hill.
After short distance turn right onto Lindsaylands Road and follow into Biggar.
Route info