[7] Once entered via a stone arch the glen in the 19th century had an extensive path network with several bridges crossing over the Crichope Burn at convenient places or where the view was most spectacular such as at 'Burley's Leap'.Sir Walter Scott had explored the glen whilst visiting his brother who was taught at the nearby Wallace Hall School in Closeburn and mentioned the graffiti left by some of the many visitors.as the sun's dazzling splendours o'erpower Each eye, save the eagle's, that gazes on high;[12] The famous author Thomas Carlyle made many visits, living in the area at Craigenputtock House for several years and marrying Jane Welsh at Templand Farm near Dalgarnock.He wrote some verses describing the genius loci of the glen : "Cloistered vault of living rocks, Here have I my darksome dwelling, Working, sing to stones and stocks; Where beneath my waves go welling.Beams flood-borne athwart me cast Arches see, and aisles moist gleaming; Sounds for aye my organ blast, Grim cathedral, shaped in dreaming.
