Eskdalemuir – Stillness at Samye Ling
A few hours.
The route
Kagyu Samye Ling, in the hills at Eskdalemuir, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery whose temple, finished in 1988 and painted inside by the master artist Sherab Palden Beru, is open to anyone who comes quietly.
Sit in the temple for a while, walk in the Peace Gardens, and stay for a hot vegetarian lunch in the dining hall if you've booked it. It's free to visit, and suits anyone who wants a few hours of stillness.
Before you go
Book accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
The nearest of ours is The Scullery in Yarrow, 18 miles away. Sleeps 2; next free Fri 13 Nov to Sun 15 Nov.
Book a hot vegetarian lunch in the dining hall at Samye Ling with reception on 013873 73232 before you go (served daily at 12.30pm, advance booking essential); the temple and gardens need no booking and are free.
The day
Eskdalemuir
A painted temple in silence, a slow walk in the gardens, and a simple vegetarian lunch in the hills.
About three hours
Samye Ling
Samye Ling is in Eskdalemuir, about 15 miles from Lockerbie; the last stretch on the B709 has a lot of potholes, so take it slowly. Day visitors park in the visitor car park just off the main road, marked by a large sign. Entry is free, and the grounds and temple are open to day visitors all year. The temple opens every day from 6am to 9pm for practice or a visit. Take your shoes off at the door and keep silent, and if a retreat or teaching is on, stay towards the back and come and go quietly. Walk in the Peace Gardens afterwards. Hot vegetarian lunches are served daily in the main dining hall at 12.30pm, and must be booked ahead with reception on 013873 73232. If the Tibetan Tea Rooms are shut, help yourself to free tea in the Johnstone House tearoom. There's no alcohol, smoking or vaping on the grounds, no swimming, and no pets except assistance dogs. There's a ramp to the temple and a lift by key from reception.
If it rains
The temple and the tearoom are indoors; the gardens can wait for a dry spell.
Where to stay
Photograph by Lalit Sood via Google