Days Out

Just a few ideas

We’ll try to build this post up with ideas about days out that we have enjoyed. The Borders and East Lothian are (in our view) an underrated part of Scotland, rather as Northumberland is an underrated area of England. Mind you, there is a lot of stiff competition in Scotland when it comes to ‘very fine places indeed’.

The Lammermuirs and Whiteadder Water

Head inland towards Duns and you are not far away from the Lammermuirs. Whiteadder Reservoir is a great place to start. Peaceful and isolated, this area is worth at least a drive round, through the moors that overlook North Berwick and The Kingdom of Fife (across the Forth).

Duns itself is a fine town. We don’t know it very well, but we’ve been mighty impressed with the freshly baked sourdough, ciabatta, and scones at Maxwells Teashop in the square. Excellent coffee also, from Three Hills Coffee Co in Selkirk.

North Berwick

What can we say about North Berwick, other than that it is one of the gems of the UK. But, we guess, the secret is not to tell too many people.

To get there from Eyemouth it’s best to take the coast road through Coldingham. After a few miles, the view suddenly opens out, looking North to Torness.

There’s a short stretch of A1 to be dealt with before turning off to North Berwick. Just before arriving in the town, you get a view of Bass Rock. It doesn’t matter how many times you see this wonderful island, it never looks anything less than surreal. With the sun on it, it is a snowy white iceberg.

You’ll find a variety of small independent shops and places to eat in the town. Then there are the two fantastic beaches and the Seabird Centre. If you’ve got children with you, do make sure you pay this a visit both to support its vital work and to learn loads about the local environment. You can watch colonies of seabirds and seals on the many islands on the webcams in the discovery centre. You can even direct the cameras yourself to follow individual birds and so forth.

Cove

Cove is a hidden treasure. A small harbour, just the other side of Pease Bay, it is the quietest, most serene place, picture-postcard pretty.

Parking is at the top of the hill, where the village is. You walk down a track and then take a right hand turn into a tunnel, that takes you directly onto the beach.