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Set 600 feet above sea level
and bounded on three sides by the Lammermuir Hills
lies Lauder, the main town in Lauderdale, the
valley of the Leader Water. The A68 through the
town follows the oldest established route between
Edinburgh and England, and has witnessed the
passage of many armies. Today the Southern Upland
Way, Britain's first coast to coast footpath
passes through Lauder on its 212 mile journey.
The town preserves its
original medieval form with a single main street
widening into the Market Place, dominated by the
old Tolbooth. The Parish Church is laid out
unusually in the form of a Greek Cross with the
pulpit in the centre under the octagonal bell
tower; and the old box pews retained.
Thirlestane Castle is noted for its plasterwork
ceilings of the Restoration period, its historic
toy collection and Border country life
exhibitions. The Castle is also host to the
Scottish Championship Horse Trials held in May. To
the north is the quiet village of Oxton, whilst 6
miles south is Earlston and the ruined Rhymer's
Tower; once the home of Thomas of Rhymer; the 13th
century poet famed for his gift of prophecy. Close
b on Legerwood Farm, a way-marked trail gives an
informative view of a commercial borders farm.
Visitors to the town can enjoy free parking - a
local mini-guide is available. Local places of
interest include Thirlestane Castle, Lauder Golf
Club (9 hole), Cowdenknowes Equicentre,
Thirlestane Castle Horse Trials and the Tom
Davidson Gallery.
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