Getting Here

Samye Ling

is situated in Eskdalemuir in South West Scotland, 15 miles from Lockerbie. We are approximately a two-hour drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.

Please find specific travel information and local transfer guidance below.

By Road

Essential Route for Coaches and Large Vehicles

Standard GPS often suggests a shortcut through Sibbaldbie. Please advise your driver not to take this route. The road is extremely narrow with a sharp turn over a bridge that coaches cannot navigate. Getting stuck requires reversing over a mile and frequently results in vehicle damage.

Please follow this route instead:

  • Exit M74 at Junction 17:
    • From the South: Turn right over the motorway bridge.
    • From the North: Turn left.
  • Turn left at the roundabout and continue until you see an overhead bridge.
  • Just beyond it is a sawmill. You’ll see a chimney stack on the right.
  • Take the turn-off to the right just before the sawmill. 
  • Turn right at again at the T-junction onto the B709.
  • Follow this road for approximately 15 miles into Eskdalemuir.

The B709 is prone to significant potholes; please drive with extra care during the final 15 miles.

By Rail

To reach Samye Ling by train, your destination is Lockerbie Station.

  • Lockerbie is well-served by direct trains from major UK cities, including London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
  • If your train does not stop at Lockerbie, the best alternative is Carlisle. From Carlisle, you can take a local train or bus connection to Lockerbie.
  • Check The Trainline for live departures and ticket bookings.

Once you arrive at Lockerbie, you will need to complete the final 15 miles of your journey by Bus or Taxi.

By Bus

Service 112 runs Monday to Saturday between Lockerbie and Samye Ling.

See service 112 schedule

Please note: there is no Sunday service, and the last bus to Samye Ling on Saturday leaves at 3.30pm.

Pick-up Points: Look for: The bridge near the station; The bus stop on the High St, near the church and traffic lights or; The Tesco store, cash machine. The bus drops off directly at the Samye Ling main gate.

Local Taxi

Daily Timetable

6.00 AM – 7.00 AM

Tara Prayers

7.00 AM

Breakfast

8.00 AM – 9.00 AM

Teaching session

12.30 PM

Lunch

3.45 PM – 4.45 PM

Mahakala Prayers

May change at short notice to suit daily activity.

5.00 PM – 6.00 PM

Teaching session

6.00 PM

Supper

7.00 PM – 8.00 PM

Teaching session

9.00 PM

Temple Closed

10.00 PM

Quiet time

Please note the above times may change during special events

Weekend Courses

Friday (weekend course arrival day)

3.30 PM – 6.00 PM

Check-in

6.00 PM

Supper

7.00 PM – 8.30 PM

Course Session

Session times may vary in some courses.

  • Course leaders will advise session times, tea breaks and variations in the timetable.
  • Courses take place in the Back of the Dining Room, the Eco Cabin, the Chenrezig Shrine or the Lecture Hall. 
  • Prayers and Dharma teachings are generally held in the Samye Ling Temple.