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Resting Stone, Falla Moss, Tweedsmuir. |
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Description
The Resting Stone consists of a large boulder located on a
relatively flat area of land a few metres
to the west of the ancient track running from the Devil's Beef
Tub above Moffat to Tweedsmuir. The stone is surrounded by the
collapsed remains of what appears to be a dry stone wall,
perhaps providing shelter to travellers from the elements while
resting at the stone. The stone has also
been referred to as The Reivers' Resting Stone and measures 1.60
m long x 1.25 m wide x 0.30 m high.
Directions
From the A701 Penicuik to Moffat road, take the sign posted
junction for Tweedsmuir village. Turn first right along the single
track road heading to Fruid Reservoir. At the reservoir continue
straight on along a single track road with passing places to Fruid
farm. Park at the farm, asking for permission first. Follow the
track that skirts the top of the reservoir until you reach the
sheep pens. Cross the Carterhope Burn and keeping the burn on the
left, head for Ballaman Hill. The Resting Stone is just south of the rock outcrops.
Note: The track shown on Explorer 330 is
indistinct and can be difficult to follow. Good map reading skills
are required and a GPS device is highly recommended if visiting
the area in poor visibility.
Parking
With permission at Fruid farm.
Folklore
No written folklore or other traditions have been found
associated with this stone to date but from the stones
name and position in an isolated and often bleak location
high in the Tweedsmuir hills, it is likely to have been a
location where travellers would seek shelter during adverse
weather conditions. The ancient track which runs beside the
Resting Stone may have possible associations with cattle
rustling and the Border Reivers who were known to have used
the Devil's Beef Tub to the south as a holding area for
stolen cattle. It has also been recorded that, on still
nights, when the moon is full and casts a silvery light over
the moorland, you can hear the jingle of spurs and harness
as the ghosts of the Border Reivers drive their stolen
cattle along the ancient track as they return from south of
the Border. Could be an interesting place for an over-night
camp!
Fieldnotes
Located about 100 metres from the Resting Stone there are two
features that might be taken to be the Resting Stone. One is a
large boulder with a stone cairn a few meters away. I suspect
they might be markers indicating the nearby location of the
Resting Stone itself. The Resting Stone is quite well hidden but
the stone/cairns are more visible from a distance. See 090
for details
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