Category Archives: Scottish Borders

Road Trip: Scottish Borders

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It has been a while. I know. I had to take some time off but hopefully, I’m back. Nothing like a road trip to mark the occasion. I’m heading southwest to Dumfries and Galloway…. …by bus! I wanted to see the countryside as part of my journey. I often scan all the different destinations that one could go to at the bus terminal but this time I knew exactly where I was heading.

I’m currently midway to my ultimate destination having meandered through the Scottish Borders.

View of the Scottish Borders from the bus

Now that was a treat! Yes, that is the view from inside the bus 🙌🏾

In fact, all these pics were taken while I was riding the bus. Even with the threat of rain, the scenery was amazing.

The Borders is absolutely beautiful. It is often overlooked and I don’t know why. What a great way to start a trip. The next stop is Castle Douglas.

© The Scottish Pearl 2023

Hiking to St Abbs Head, Scottish Borders

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I was reminiscing as I waded through old photos. I loved my St Abb pics and decided to write a post to share that experience with you.

This hike actually started in Coldingham Bay in the Scottish Borders. Our destination was St Abbs Head as shown in the above maps.

When we arrived at Coldingham we quickly passed the beach and headed across the dunes to St Abbs harbour.

We made a short stop at the village. The village was originally known as Coldingham Shore, the name St Abbs was adopted in the 1890s. The new name was derived from St Abbs Head, a rocky projection located to the north of the village which is where we were heading.

The village is a small picturesque fishing village which is still active today.

As we stopped we took in the views from the lookout point. The gulls were in full form. It was such a invigorating view.

After that stop we continued journey to St Anbs Head, periodically stopping to take in the coastal views

The landscape was breathtaking.

The sheet openness and coastal undulation of the land surrounding us was mesmerizing.

We finally go there. It was awesome.

When seeing a place like this you are reminded how small we all are in the grand scheme of things. What a magnificent view. In fact views.

We stopped for lunch and then slowly made our way back but this time we spent time at the beach.

It was a perfect way to end the day

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

The Leaderfoot Viaduct

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Last Autumn I was part of a group walk in Tweedbank, Scottish Borders. Destination: Leaderfoot Viaduct.

So here I am writing about it a few months later.

Even without the viaduct, the surrounding countryside alone was worth the walk.

We could not have had a better Fall day.

It very much reminded me of my Canadian walks in Caledon. The colours were similar. It was just missing the vibrant reds. However, the landscape was very much Scottish. Breath-taking.

It was exciting to see the bridge in the distance. It was like a build up in a film.

There standing over the River Tweed, the Leaderfoot Viaduct, also known as the Drygrange Viaduct, is a railway viaduct. The viaduct was opened in 1863 connecting the villages in the Scottish Borders.

It is wonderful that it is kept preserved for all to enjoy.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

The Grounds of Sir Walter Scott

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It is Thursday! You know what that means. It is time for a throwback! So as I sipped my coffee, I scanned through my archives of photos I’ve taken.

Walking towards Abbotsford

Abbotsford House! Yes, the home of Sir Walter Scott. I love that place.

Various views of the outside of the house

These photos were taken September 2020. We were allowed to roam the garden but not the house.

The grounds were delightful and even with all the restrictions, the gardens were lovely.

The gardens

Abbotsford House is located in the Scottish Borders, near Galashiels, on the south bank of the River Tweed. It was built as the residence of Sir Walter Scott between 1817 and 1825.

It is time for a return visit! Especially now that so much more is open. I would love to see the inside. I am adding it to my list. Stay tuned.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022