|
Underlined Text & Images are used for Hyper-Links to more Relevant
Information
©
Copyright 2006 |
|
The Scottish Border Lothian Coastline |
Dunbar on the south shore of the Forth Estuary, 25 miles east
of Edinburgh is overlooked by it's castle which Cromwell demolished while try to
subdue the rebels in 1650. The harbour now has a mixture of fishing boats and
pleasure craft and the town's old section has many fine buildings to view,
especially the 17 th Century Town House on the High Street with it's hexagonal
tower which is still houses the Council Chambers.
Heading west on the A1 Highway which has wandered 400 miles
from London, we turn off after only 5 miles to East Linton passing the 16th
Century
Phantassie Dovecote as we enter the village. The dovecote is located in the
grounds of Phantassie, the home of the 18th Century bridge builder John Rennie
and now preserved by the
National Trust.
Mary, Queen of Scots and her lover Bothwell sought refuge here
at Hailes Castle after her husband had been murdered in 1567. Leaving on the
coastal road north the
Preston Watermill is passed, the original 16th Century mill was replaced in
the 18th Century and remained in use for over 200 years until 1959, the
relatively new water driven machinery is still operated daily for visitors.
|
Continuing north through Whitekirk, Tantalllon Castle stands proud on the
coast cliff top protected by the sea on three sides. Built in 1375 by the
'Black' Douglas Clan who thought it was impregnable, which it was for over
300 years until Cromwell bombarded it for 12 days until it fell in 1651. |
 |
 |
Following the coast west we reach North Berwick which is over 40 miles
northwest of Berwick upon Tweed, a 600 foot conical hill 'North Berwick Law'
stands protectively over the harbour town.
A walk up rewards one with panoramic views all around, including Bass Rock
an island 3 miles off in the Firth of Forth which was once used as a prison. |
| Also at the top is an arch formed from a
whales jaw bone and the remains of a tower, built in 1803 as lookout point
to give an early warming against invasion by Napoleon. Dirleton is less than
2 miles west with it's 13th Century castle perched in a dominant position
over the village, within the ruins are gardens and a bowling green . |
 |
There is a nature trail to Yellowcraig on the coast to picnic
at before before turning south towards Haddington. On the way the Myreton Motor
Museum is a must for all Auto enthusiasts, open daily during the summer months
there is a varied display of cars, motor cycles and bicycles with the oldest
being over 100 years old.
Crossing the A1 highway into Haddington with Edinburgh and
Dalkeith only 15 miles away the continuation of this tour is wide open.
Haddington has many buildings of special interest which can be found by
following the numbered Town Trail which starts at the central Town House and
lasts less than an hour.
Our tour returns to Dunbar via Gifford and Stenton where the
Pressmennan Forest Trail takes one on a two mile walk to the highest point
around from where Bass Rock, Tantallon Castle and Authur's seat in Edinburgh can
be seen on a clear day.
.
Photos and Maps are to follow
|
Http: