Black Middens Bastle House

Black Middens Bastle House shows how a farming family defended its home in the troubled Anglo-Scottish border country. This thick-walled farmhouse sheltered livestock below and people above, with the living accommodation reached at first-floor level. Narrow openings, blocked doorways and the remains of the upper floor help explain a building shaped by raids as well as everyday agricultural work. A surviving reference suggests that Black Middens was attacked by the Armstrong family in 1583, and the surrounding settlement continued in use long afterwards. Visitors find the isolated setting and explanatory boards rewarding, while noting that the ruin itself makes a relatively short stop. Follow the brown signs to the small roadside car park, then cross about 180 metres of uneven grassland. Keep dogs on leads because farm livestock is likely to be present.