The Talla Wall route we follow via Biggar then Broughton then up towards the Crook Inn is rich in the history of Scottish literature.
Burns stayed at the Crook Inn when he was travelling between Dumfries and Edinburgh
He wrote Willie Wastle Dwalt on Tweed there or thereabouts.
Willie’s wife comes out very badly
They live at a place on the bank of the Tweed where the Logan Water joins the Tweed. Called Linkumdoddie.
The observant person on the A701 will spot the small black sign that says Linkumdoddie
Just before the Crook Inn pointing down to the Tweed (except the arrow has gone)
The drystane wall at this spot also had a memorial plaque but this appears to be missing now. The house willie and his wife dwelt in is long gone but apparently three trees mark the spot.
Once over the Talla Wall and down the other side you reach the Gordon Arms (if you head back the way to Edinburgh). THere a plaque commemorates the last meeting of James Hogg The Ettrick Shepherd and Sir Walter Scott who was dying and saying cheerio to his Master (Duke of Buccleuch) and his servant James Hogg.
THe words used to be painted on the gable end of the Gordon Arms so could be seen from distance BUT after the fire and renovations is now a wee plaque.
I have mentioned all this before but as was almost solstice yesterday and many of us were down that way (and indeed 100s of other cyclists out) thought i would regurgitate.
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