Heading north with my bike to do some exploring through the
Scottish Borders. I left home at 05:45 and cycled to Preston
Railway Station to catch the 07:03 am train to Lockerbie. It was
an advance ticket and cost me £7.20. The train was late and left
at 07:10 arriving in Lockerbie around 08:40.
Preston Railway Station
I set off north under low cloud and threatening rain. At first
there was a dedicated cycle late which was a pleasant luxury. It
was soon downgraded to a cycle track on the main carriageway
which gave no protection from the HGVs. I was surprised at the
number of large lorries as the B7076 I was on as it runs
parallel to the main M74
Lockerbie Railway Station
Toulouse on the cycle trail
Moffat Dark Sky town
There was low cloud so nothing to see ahead. It was just a case
of keep going and avoiding the traffic. Even at Johnstonebridge
there was nothing to see. On the approach to Beattock the signs
took me to a cycle track running parallel to the A701. There was
an interesting structure that I couldn't figure out. Bikes and
Tolouse is all it showed. I continued into the Dark Sky town of
Moffat and stopped at the first garage to ask is there a tap
where I could get water. I was told no! I continued into the
town and called Jack & Rachels Tea Room and asked same question.
Was told 'of course' and with bottles filled continued on my way
north on A701.
Water at Jack & Rachels
I started steady climb towards Devils Beef Tub and stopped
briefly at Gardenholme Linn where Dr Buck Ruxton dumped the
bodies of his wife and housekeeper after murdering them in
Lancaster in 1935.
Buck Ruxton was here
I continued up the road to a camping spot I’ve used before that
is off the road behind a gate. Good radio reception and signal
for phone.
