Becks and Gaskells

An attractive short walk with good views over the town and a pleasant woodland section along the Wauchope Water. Much used by locals.

From the car park, walk towards the town centre and turn right over the road bridge across the Esk (Thomas Telford Road). Continue along this road, passing Langholm Academy on the right. Take the next road on the left opposite the sports complex – Academy Place.

The road becomes Eskdaill Street. Turn right up a lane between the houses. At the top of the lane, turn right on a track and bend left with the track. A seat provides a good view across the town. Follow the track right, up the hill, passing stables on the left. At the top of the field, take the level track heading left, with small fields on the right holding a variety of livestock including horses, goats, and hens.

To the left, the slope falls away affording good views across to Warb Law. At the end of the track, continue ahead on a path between the trees.

The path drops down to the Becks Burn, a charming stream tumbling over boulders. Follow the signs to the footbridge and then climb the steep slope using the handrail. Continue on the path to reach the access road for Becks Farm. Tum left on the road and follow it as it winds around several bends, giving further good views of the town and the surrounding hills.

At the road end, the route turns right, but it is worth making a short diversion to the left to see the old cemetery in its peaceful location above the river. There are interesting old gravestones, many of them reflecting the high rate of infant mortality that was once common.

Old trades represented here include stocking-makers, warpers, and cloggers. Return from the cemetery and walk down the road to cross the Wauchope Water by the Auld Stane Brig. In this area was the site of the former Wauchope Castle, now marked only by a few humps in the ground.

A few metres after the bridge, tum left on the marked Gaskells Walk and follow this lovely path as it traverses above the river. For part of the way, the river is in a miniature gorge below you. The path eventually swings right, away from the river. At a junction, tum left and then go ahead and through the hedge to turn left again, down steps, and into Buccleuch Park.

Go right, across the park, and cross the footbridge. Turn right and where the road swings left, go ahead on another footbridge over the Esk. Walk up John Street ahead to reach the main road. Tum left to return to Kilngreen.

Please remember!  

Leave gates as you find them – Keep dogs under close control at all times – Keep to paths across farmland – Take care on country roads

Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges, and walls – Respect farm livestock, crops, and machinery – Take your litter home with you.

Protect wildlife, plants and trees – Guard against the risk of fire – Make no unnecessary noise.

Walkers Are Welcome

There is a guide to our walks in the format of a plastic folder containing details of our 14 way marked walks.

Each walk has an A4 OS map with details of the walk on the other side.

The pack can be obtained by post from The Langholm Walks Group, Ardlui, 63 Henry Street, Langholm, DG13 0ES. The cost is £5 plus £2.30 for postage and packing for the set of walks. Langholm Walks Group can be contacted by tel; 013873 80715 or by email at langholmwalks@gmail.com