I have often passed through Moffat but this time it was different. This time I hopped off the bus for a wee visit. I am exploring South West Scotland and on this occasion, Moffat was a must for me. That is the great thing about bus journeys, you get to enjoy the view stress-free and make notes for your next excursion.
Moffat is located in Dumfries and Galloway, within the Southern Uplands, just across the border of the Scottish Borders.
I was intrigued by this town surrounded by hills as it reminded me of my home when I lived in Canada; it has a similar setting. And so it follows that I had to investigate.
As I arrived at the town centre, I was faced with Moffat’s famous ram. The Moffat Ram bronze statue. The statue gives a sense of pride and is a symbol of the town’s rich history of sheep rearing. You really cannot miss it. I quickly googled it to learn more and found the following:
The powerful-looking bronze ram sculpture and drinking fountain were commissioned in 1875 by a local businessman William Colvin as a gift to his native town to commemorate its long association with sheep farming and the wool trade. The artist chosen to undertake the work was a prolific and celebrated Victorian Scottish sculptor named William Brodie, whose most famous work is the statue of a faithful dog, Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh. According to legend, at the unveiling of the statue, a local farmer exclaimed, “It has nae lugs!” which, in English, translates to “It has no ears!” He was right. [Atlas Obscura]
How could I not pay my respects to this work? This historic art piece is surrounded by a vibrant town centre. I couldn’t wait to discover its gems. But first things first, I went for a wee lunch at a restaurant adjacent to the ram.
I was intrigued by all the architecture that circled the high street. I could tell that this was once a prosperous community.
I learned that as well as sheep rearing, the town was also a tourist resort destination in its day. Visitors would come for the healing power of the town spa and water. The healing properties of the water were thought to be due to the sulphurous and saline properties and iron springs. During the Victorian era, luxury hotels were built to accommodate the ever-increasing tourism to the town which I believe is reflected in the buildings that lined the town centre today.
As I walked the town, I could not help but enjoy all the colourful homes with the perfect backdrop. The hills.
I was intrigued by the many town walks that were signposted and readily accessible.
I have since learned that Moffat is known for welcoming and encouraging walkers to its fair community with its informative bulletins. From my perspective, I had to explore at least a couple of those walks. In fact, I ended up doing four.
1. Waterside Walk
I love walking beside water so this was a given that I would walk the Waterside Walk. I headed to Station Park where I knew there was a small loch and where this particular walk began. Station Park use to be the location of the town’s railway station. [Caledonian Railway] which was built in 1883 and closed in 1964.
As I walked around the pond/loch I could make out the remains of the railway bridge and from that, I could make out where the railway line ran. Today the location is a well-maintained picturesque park. An excellent pitstop. I sat for a coffee before making my way to Annan River for the walk.
The following information was posted about the walk:
The Annan Water walk includes both the locally known 1st and 2nd Watersides which follow the Annan Water northwards. Distance: 4.6km/2.9m.
There is something about the sound of water that is so soothing. It just settles the mind. I have no idea how it does that but it is very calming. With that, the walk started on a high as I listened to the burbling water of the River Annan. It was nice. If ever there was a reason to slow down and take in one’s surroundings, it was this.
As I walked along the river, I noticed the seating along the way and that each seat seem to be “strategically” placed at beautiful panoramic views of the town and neighbouring countryside.
2. Gallow Hill Walk
I could not visit Moffat and not attempt to walk one of its hills. So Gallow Hill it was. Here is the description that was posted on the Town’s public bulletin board:
The Gallow Hill is the wooded Hill behind the town. The walk follows the waterside then goes through the Hope Johnstone Park and up the steps (locally known as the White Steps). From there turn left into Beech Wood, climb up through the wood until you reach the double gates and when you are through the second gate you are then on Gallow Hill. Turn left and follow the track around the circular route. Distance: 5.4km/3.3m.
So off I went to make my way through Beech Woods towards Gallow Hill. Again, I loved that there were seats dotted along the path. There were also many peek-a-boo views of the town and neighbouring farms.
I continued the walk passed the gate until I got to the Gallow Hill posting. It was such a peaceful stroll. I was surprised by how tranquil it was. It was easy to forget that the town was adjacent to the trail.
Beech Woods
The path was well maintained and catered for varied abilities and group walks. After walking for about 30 minutes, I reached a community seating area and the second gate, the entrance to Gallow Hill.
I was thankful to see a map of the hill. I decided to walk the outer perimeter going north.
Views from Gallow Hill
It was a gentle climb and again with lots of seats along the way. What lovely views! It is said that the view is always better on the high road. Well, this was a clear example that this is indeed the case.
I spent quite some time on that hill. I blamed it on the seats and views.
3. Well Path Walk
For this walk, I followed the direction of one of the signposts labelled: Well Path. It was not listed on the town’s official bulletin board. As I stared up at what looked like an overgrown stair path, I was somewhat hesitant to begin. However, curiosity got the better of me and I started the climb.
Views from Well Path
I sometimes think I am odd, as I find it thrilling to walk paths and wonder where they may lead, or what view it might lead me to. This path was that. I took long, deep breaths of pure delight at each stop.
4. Tank Wood Walk
As I ended Well Path walk, I saw the sign for Tank Wood Walk. The walk was a natural continuation of Well Path. The following description of the walk was posted:
This walk follows the Annan Water then cuts across the northern part of the town and follows a well defined track along the southern slopes of the Gallow Hill to the Tank wood. Distance: 4.5 km/2.8m.
Views from Tank Wood
Another delightful walk with many views but with not so many seats LOL. And as with many wooded areas, the tranquillity was therapeutically serene.
I learned the following about Tank Woods:
During the Victorian era, the high demand for the healing powers of the spas led to the water being piped down from the well to a tank in Tank Wood and onto a specially built bath house in the town centre.
Unfortunately, I did not see the tank but that just means I will have it on my list for when I visit next.
5. Final Town Walk
As I left the woods, I found myself in a pretty neighbourhood. I took a slow walk back to the centre. I had covered a lot of ground in two days which is a reflection of how much Moffat has to offer.
This was so worth the visit and I certainly will return to experience more of Moffat’s offerings. I smiled as I left the town, as it felt like even the sheep were saying goodbye.
Well, this post turned out to be much longer than I had originally planned but I hope you felt it was worth it. My next stops are Dumfries and Castle Douglas
© The Scottish Pearl 2023
