Bigstones

Nearest Town: Eskdalemuir

OS Grid Reference: NY 25 96

Directions: Leave the M6 at Lockerbie and follow the B723 to Eskdalemuir. Drive through and leave, heading south, on the B709. In around a mile there is a signed parking space on the left for 2 cars with a useful information board. The stones are in the field across the road, with further signposts to the Girdle Stanes.

Site notes: Expect to spend an hour just doing the round trip from Lockerbie, in addition to the time spent at the sites, it’s a way off the beaten track, but rewards the effort. The Loupin Stanes are the smaller of the 2 circles here, a compact ring of stones on a terrace above the river White Esk in the middle of a valley with beautiful hills all around.

The walk to the Girdle Stanes is signposted and easy to follow along the field boundary. It can be a little boggy though so don’t wear your best brogues but the approach is worth it as the next circle opens up beneath you.