Langholm

Langholm-born Hugh McDiarmid was perhaps Scotland’s greatest modern poet and in his home town you can follow the McDiarmid Trail to the McDiarmid Memorial. A further claim to fame for Langholm is that the Langholm Town Band is reputedly the oldest brass band in Scotland.

Today the main road running west from Langholm Bridge is called Thomas Telford Road, in memory of Thomas Telford who was born nearby in 1757.

A highlight of the year is the tradition of the Langholm Common Riding, an unforgettable summer spectacle that involves some epic horse-riding, athletics, dancing, a giant thistle and much pageantry.  

One of Scotland’s great salmon rivers, the River Esk, flows through Langholm and permits are available for game fishing on the Esk. The area also provides excellent walking opportunites with waymarked routes through the surrounding hills.

There are places to eat and several independent shops within the town. The Buccleuch Centre is a venue within the town which brings performers from across the globe to the town, and also hosts farmers' markets and antique fairs.