Waterfalls, stargazing and buzzards: Moffat's walking festival in Scotland's southern highlands
At the top of the gorge, strings of Tibetan prayer flags flutter between the trees, a waterfall cascades over the rock, the white dome of a stupa peeks through the foliage. I stare at the water prayer wheel, mesmerized, and greet Dawa Sherpa. I may be in Scotland, but I feel like I've been transported deep into Nepal.
Craigieburn Gardens & Nursery, two miles from the Pretty town of Moffat, is just one of the surprises on a trip to this corner of Dumfries and Galloway. While part of the garden is formal, some of the woodlands have been transformed into a Himalayan scene by green-fingered Dawa, who moved here with her family after meeting Craigieburn landlady Janet Wheatcroft in 1995 (he saved her from drowning - but that's another story).
I'll come and explore the area ahead of Moffat's walk weekend later this this month (September 30 to October 2). Launched last year, the three-day festival offers a range of guided walks, from day hikes on long-distance trails to easy walks around town - and includes a sensory walk through these exquisite gardens. p>
"Moffat is surrounded by incredible scenery," said Caroline Egan, festival co-founder and owner of Queensberry House B&B, my Victorian base. characterful and comfortable for the weekend "We are on the Southern Upland Way and the Annandale Way - the River Annan runs through the town. There are so many great walks right outside the door."
Like many visitors to Scotland, I have already been drawn to the drama of the Highlands and Islands and the bustle of the big cities. Moffat, a popular spa town in the 17th century when the wealthy Scottish people came to enjoy the curative sulphurous waters, staying largely off the main tourist trails.There is always an ai r majestic in the tree-lined high street with its independent shops and restaurants, the green of the surrounding hills always in view.
At the top of the gorge, strings of Tibetan prayer flags flutter between the trees, a waterfall cascades over the rock, the white dome of a stupa peeks through the foliage. I stare at the water prayer wheel, mesmerized, and greet Dawa Sherpa. I may be in Scotland, but I feel like I've been transported deep into Nepal.
Craigieburn Gardens & Nursery, two miles from the Pretty town of Moffat, is just one of the surprises on a trip to this corner of Dumfries and Galloway. While part of the garden is formal, some of the woodlands have been transformed into a Himalayan scene by green-fingered Dawa, who moved here with her family after meeting Craigieburn landlady Janet Wheatcroft in 1995 (he saved her from drowning - but that's another story).
I'll come and explore the area ahead of Moffat's walk weekend later this this month (September 30 to October 2). Launched last year, the three-day festival offers a range of guided walks, from day hikes on long-distance trails to easy walks around town - and includes a sensory walk through these exquisite gardens. p>
"Moffat is surrounded by incredible scenery," said Caroline Egan, festival co-founder and owner of Queensberry House B&B, my Victorian base. characterful and comfortable for the weekend "We are on the Southern Upland Way and the Annandale Way - the River Annan runs through the town. There are so many great walks right outside the door."
Like many visitors to Scotland, I have already been drawn to the drama of the Highlands and Islands and the bustle of the big cities. Moffat, a popular spa town in the 17th century when the wealthy Scottish people came to enjoy the curative sulphurous waters, staying largely off the main tourist trails.There is always an ai r majestic in the tree-lined high street with its independent shops and restaurants, the green of the surrounding hills always in view.
What's Your Reaction?
