Westgate Lodge is an old gate house of the Carmichael Estate, on the borders of Scotland. The property serves as an excellent touring base, 50 minutes drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow, while there’s plenty to enjoy in the nearby towns of Biggar and Lanark. Tinto Hill is a well known destination that is 707 meters, which is 2 miles from the property and is great for walkers, runners and biking. Views of Tinto Hill can be seen around the property. The interior offers an old-fashioned feel, with a charming sitting room where you can relax after a day of walking, equipped with a sofa, armchair and Smart TV, so you don’t have to miss out on your favourite shows. Step into the kitchen, a small but well-equipped space, with an electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge and even a washing machine, so you can pop your muddy clothes on a spin. The bedrooms at this Carmichael cottage lie upstairs, including the spacious master with zip/link, super-king-size bed, which can be arranged as a twin on request, while there is also a pleasant king-size room. Completing the interior is the bathroom with bath and shower over, so you can enjoy lazy soaks and refreshing rinses. Take a favourite drink outside and relish in the enclosed garden, pondering on where next to explore. There is the busy market town of Biggar to explore, boasting a great collection of shops, cafés and pubs and the Clyde Valley beyond is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark. There is also Lanark which is a bustling town nestled just five miles away, home to a thriving agricultural market along with many independent shops and retailers, so you can pick up something for home. Once those are complete, day trips to Edinburgh and Glasgow are recommended, with each city boasting a wealth of history and culture, along with plenty of shops and well-established eateries, you can enjoy so much of Scotland during your time at Westgate Lodge.

The town of Biggar on the edge of Scotland’s Southern Uplands is believed to have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and the present A702 is on the line of the former Roman road, linking the fort at Musselburgh with the Clyde Valley. The Normans followed in the 12th century and Biggar Burn was finally bridged, providing the first permanent crossing. The town today, with the market place at its centre, retains the linear layout showing the historical importance of the A702. It has many shops, cafes and bars and is particularly renowned for its collection of museums reflecting the history of notable individuals from the area. Visit the Moat Park Heritage Centre in a disused church for a flavour of Biggar’s history. With both the Southern Upland hills, the Borders town of Peebles and cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh all within easy reach, Biggar has something for everyone.

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