Eccelfechan Via Lockerbie.

After resting the ankle for a few days we were ready to move on.  Having a breakfast before departure, we loaded up the bikes and set course Southbound.  We planned to use the A701 & A7076 as our main route South.  To leave Moffat we followed the main road until we passed under the motorway and found a cycle track that was separated from the main road and, behind a line of trees,  made our progress a delightful experience. 

 Although there was not a lot to see, as we travelled, there was the odd moment of interest.  As we travelled South we could see what appeared to be half of a high bypass turbo fan engine.  As we drew level with this piece of art it transposed into a collection of plates decorated with 'Cycle' pictogram and the name 'Toulouse', a name linked with aviation, but will have to search the internet to find the story behind this one.

Art installation on cycle track by A701.

We soon found the second road we needed and would follow this, in the main, for the rest of the day.  At the same time the cycle track ceased to be.  Fortunately the local authorities seem to be aware of the number of cyclists using this road and have created a lane of between 30 & 36 inches.  this proved to be a reasonably good safe haven as we cycled, no motor vehicle coming close enough to cause concern.

Pit stop for tea, showing lay by and cycle lane alongside road.

All the time the roads rose and fell gently and for once we did not find any gradient that made us dismount and push. There were a few gradients that seemed to go on for ever but we managed them all.  We passed a few other groups of cyclists, some out for club rides and were encouraged by the friendly greetings that passed between us.

Along the way we pulled off into the town of Lockerbie for refreshments.  On a Sunday it seemed as if the whole town was shut but as we pressed further in we soon found a bank and somewhere to grab some sustenance.  This was the Cafe 91, one of the few places open on a Sunday and a favourite stop for travellers.  It bakes it's own bread and cakes daily, and the freshness can be tasted.  This stop comes highly recommended by us.     

  

Cafe 91 in Lockerbie.

Having been refreshed we set of to pay our respects to the victims of Pan Am Flight 103.  On the 21st December 1988 an improvised Explosive Device was smuggled aboard a Pan Am 747.  Due to delays the destruction of the aircraft occurred over the Scottish mainland above the town of Lockerbie resulting in the death of not only flight crew and passengers but also towns people.  The name of Lockerbie will always be synonymous with this disaster, and the 25th anniversary will soon be upon us.  A commemorative gardens for all people was commissioned and can be found alongside the commonwealth graves.  A small building houses an information centre for visitors.  What we found was a memorial garden beautiful in it's simplicity and well maintained.  A moving tribute to all.  We include some photographs for those unable to attend in person.

The plaque at the garden path.

Overall view of memorial garden.

Well tended bedding plants bring colour, and life, to the gardens.

The main dedication to the event.

List of names of all who perished.

A quilt has been dedicated ready for the anniversary.

A guide to the quilt, includes a leaf for everyone on board as well as a pebble for those on the ground.

We departed the gardens and retraced our steps, or pedal strokes, to the road south.  It did not take too long to reach Eccelfechan, a town that does not take itself too seriously for obvious reasons.  As we entered the village we saw the signs for two campsites and at the same time we saw 'The Ecclefechal Hotel'.  No contest, we would see if the hotel had a room for the night before trying the campsites.

Stopping outside the hotel we were greeted by Joe, who had obviously had cyclists in before.  Within minutes we were seated down for coffee, and having small talk before we had even registered.  The community here are full of questions, not because they are nosy but because they are interested in your stories.  The hotel is undergoing renovation and we accepted the apologise for the mess but there was no need.  The room we had been given was the best we have seen.  Ample space, tastefully decorated and a washroom with bags of hot water for showers.  This is a place we will make a note of should we return anytime in the future.

After a 'FechanBurger' (house speciality)  we went for a stroll round the village.  There are quite a few signs around detailing the history and people of the place.  Eccelfechan seems to have had many set backs over the centuries but has managed to come back again, no doubt to the strength of community. And their sense of humour.....