Stage 3

This is a trial of the Challenging route being planned by Annan the History Town Group which will use information hubs being installed soon and we are looking for feedback from this trial.

The trail loops so it can be started at any of the information points.

This Challenging route is 1.9 mile (4300 steps) taking 43 minutes if you don’t stop to take in the history and the views.

Please note some pavements are uneven, narrow or non-existant so please take care especially when crossing busy roads.

 

Once established, there will be much more historic information, questions and things to look for on the  web link and the boards themselves

Central Hotel and Station - Harbour

Here we see modern changes to road junctions, modern, glass school buildings sitting next to older sandstone buildings.

The planned information hub here will highlight the effect the railway had on the town.

The railway station brought new opportunities to the town and surrounds but put paid to old industries like cattle droving and coaching inns. The trains brought people to the town but also helped them leave for job opportunities elsewhere in the country and the world. The sad sight of the Central hotel is a further reminder of the effects of more recent changes in holiday habits. Original plans show the hotel was to be called the Station Hotel.

These days many visitors use the train especially those wanting to take advantage of the local cycle or walking routes which pass through Annan. Next to the station entrance is one of the Millennium milestones directing cyclists along route 7.

Directions: Now head towards the Harbour using Station Road, left into Victoria Road to reach Port Street where we will turn left again.

As you walk this route notice the changes in building style and materials as extra land was made available for housing. There are two carved sandstone signs 'The Park' showing what this area was known as. One is on Station Road and the other is on Carlyle's Place but visible from Victoria Road. Can you spot them?

On Port Street you will pass under the railway bridge and locations of old Cotton Mills, Warehouses, Smithies, Sawmills and Shipbuilding yards.

Please note there are big changes going ahead at the harbour and so there is no permanent board planned but you should be able to find a temporary QR code somewhere.