.
The Hopetoun Arms is a perfect base to explore the Lowther region of Scotland and is only 50 minutes from Glasgow and an hour from Edinburgh. Located in the Lowther Hills with the Southern Upland Way running through the area the hotel is perfect for a stop off point or a base for local activities.
.
The local area is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and is ideal for hill walking, cycling, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. The area is also rich in other outdoor pursuits including shooting, fishing and hunting. More details of local attractions can be found below but please contact the hotel to discuss any particular interests you have.
.
.
Southern Upland Way.
.
For more details of this coast to coast walk we would recommend you have a look at this website.
.
.
.
.
Leadhills Golf Course.
.
Leadhills takes the honour of being Scotland’s highest golf course at 1, 500 feet above seas level. Naturally, it is a hilly layout that is subjected to quite high winds, but that’s just part of its unique character. The views from all over the course are superb, especially so from the eighth tee. Those who walk off the 18th green usually do so with a smile on their face such is its challenge.
Daily fees are £10 for adults and £7.00 for children and tickets can be purchased from the Hotel or the Village Shop.
.
.
.
.
Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway.
.
Britain’s highest adhesion railway, reaching 1498 feet above sea level, it was originally built in 1900 for the Caledonian Railway Company for transporting refined lead to the central belt of Scotland. The lead mines closed in the late 1930′s, but passenger traffic continued until the end of 1938.
The Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway Society was formed in 1983 to construct and operate a 2ft gauge tourist railway between two villages on the old standard gauge track bed. Track laying commenced in 1986 with the station at Leadhills being built from scratch.
.
.
.
.
Hidden Treasures – Museum of Lead Mining.
.
Hidden Treasures, Museum of Lead Mining, is a Visit Scotland 4 Star Visitor Attraction set in the picturesque village of Wanlockhead, which at 461m / 1531 feet above sea level is the highest village in Scotland. The village is set amid the Lowther Hills.
Uncover their treasures including a real 18th century lead mine set deep in the hillside where visitors can experience the thrill of going underground. Make your way along village paths to the two miners’ cottages and see how the miners really lived before exploring the second oldest subscription Library in Europe, which has recently gained Recognition status as being a collection of national significance. Enter the Visitor Centre to discover a fantastic display of rocks, minerals, gold, mining and local artefacts.
.
.
.
.
Leadhills Miners Library.
.
Also known as the Allan Ramsay Library, it has reverted to its original name of The Leadhills Reading Society. Housing an extensive antiquarian book collection, local relics, records and minerals, the library is of significant historical and geological importance.
.
.
Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate.
.
Why not visit Drumlanrig Castle, the ancient Douglas stronghold and Dumfriesshire home of the Duke & Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry, KBE. Set on the spectacular 90,000 acre Queensberry Estate complete with Country Park and Victorian Gardens, Drumlanrig Castle is brimming with centuries-old heritage and culture, period furnishings, fine art and antiques.
.
.
.
.
The grave of John Taylor.
.
The grave in Leadhills churchyard is that of Robert Taylor, overseer of the Scotch Mining Company, and also of his father, John, said to have been 137 years old. More details of John Taylor can be found on the BBC Radio 4 website, just follow the link below.
.
.
.
