Tag Archives: Coast

Summer Vibes at North Berwick

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My hometown is Edinburgh which I love. It offers so much. However, I do like to change it up and when I want to quickly treat myself to Summer vibes, North Berwick is a lovely option. My first stop is always getting a treat on the High Street followed by a walk around the town.

Original St Andrew’s Church
(Ruins, ~1664)

A walk by St Andrew’s church ruins reminds me of its historic past, as I make my way to the Lodge Grounds.

The Lodge

The Lodge has lovely gardens and public paths. As an amateur gardener, I always like to see the botanic offerings of others.

View of North Berwick Law

The Lodge paths always make for a delightful stroll with bonus views of North Berwick Law.

On this trip, I really enjoyed the elevated path just north of the Lodge. It has breathtaking views of the town and bay.

https://videos.files.wordpress.com/zR1SekxO/img_8768.mp4

It is such a pretty town and on this occasion, I was fortunate to have great weather to enjoy it.

As much as I enjoyed my walk through the town, a visit to North Berwick is not complete without visiting the beach. So the next stop was the beach.

Stunning!

I cannot remember how long I stayed. Lots of people watching, wave watching, reading and just relaxing on a gorgeous day at this spot.

https://videos.files.wordpress.com/XULtP56q/summer-vibes-at-nb.mp4

Summer vibes indeed

© The Scottish Pearl 2023

The Cottage Experience in Edinburgh North

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There is an unusual spot in Edinburgh that often puts a smile on my face because of its cottage feel within the city. It is in the Granton-Wardie Bay area. The Wardie Bay Area has definitely come into its own. It has become a frequent pastime for the locals. It is a lovely spot to just relax.

Lower Granton Road
Granton Harbour Breakwater

It has a seafront feel even without the water. The painted coloured residences gives that feel. The homes proudly line the harbour.

Granton Harbour
Seat with a View at Wardie Bay

But with all that and as much as I enjoy this spot, this is not the spot. However, it is close by.

Just South of Wardie Bay is a path that leads into Wardie Steps. It is walking this path that gives me the cottage, seaside feel! I think it is because it is unexpected.

This narrow lane leads to white-painted cottages and a rainbow of coloured homes.

It is a little hamlet with an air of coastal living right in the Bonnie capital.

Yes, this is what makes me smile. A delightful path to the Wardie Bay waterfront.

© The Scottish Pearl 2023

Road Trip: Arriving at Kirkcudbright Harbour

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After several stops en route (Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Castle Douglas), I made it to Kirkcudbright. An Artists Town. Delighted, I got off at the harbour where I stayed for a while. What a lovely introduction to the town.

Kirkcudbright Harbour

It was very much an active harbour. People were busy working, instructing, positioning and focused. You could not help but be drawn to the buzz of the larger boats and the hum related to the effort of loading the boats. They must be used to spectators as there was nearby seating which encouraged an audience.

A walk along the harbour provided views of the marina and a nearby art gallery, The Harbour Cottage Gallery.

I soon learned that white-painted homesteads, together with a sprinkling of candy-floss-coloured buildings, were a signature of the town. It all looked very pleasing.

I took the opportunity to visit Habour Cottage Gallery. As well as enjoying the art that was on display, the windows framed a delightful view of the harbour. A lovely prospect.

After enjoying the gallery, I strolled the nearby buildings and then sat at the seats strategically positioned to entice you to take in the scenes of the harbour. They certainly designed that right.

Again, the harbour was a delightful introduction. The next day was all about exploring the town.

© 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

Bosta Beach, Bernera Isle of Lewis

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We were exploring the Northern coast of the Isle of Lewis. Having visited the beaches in Harris we were intrigued by Lewis’ offering. We had already visited Dalmore Bay. On this trip, we headed to Bosta Beach.

Bosta beach is located on a small island that is linked to Lewis via a bridge. So it is really another small island called Great Bernera.

Below is a brief description of our destination:

Bosta (Bostadh) Beach is situated on Great Bernera – a small island connected by a short bridge to the north of the Isle of Lewis.Set in a valley, the beach is made up of fine, pale golden sand. Numerous islands in the bay and beyond break up much of the Atlantic swell making this much more sheltered than other north coast beaches. Bosta is also home to an Iron Age village which was only recently discovered after it emerged from the sands following a storm. Along with the well-preserved village is a replica house, complete with thatched roof, overlooking the beach.

The Beach Guide

As is the norm on these islands, upon arrival we had to pass the village burial ground to access the beach.

But just walking through the grounds we knew we were in for a treat. The view!

Wow! It was amazing. The sand was so white and the water was a beautiful blue-green. It was up there with the beaches of Harris.

Truly spectacular.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Dalmore Bay, Isle of Lewis

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Isle of Lewis has beautiful beaches too! we were off to explore one or two. On this journey, Dalmore Bay (Traigh Dhail Mhor) was our destination.

Dalmore bay is located on the north coast of Lewis across Stornoway. Below is a more formal description taken from The Beach Guide:

Set on the exposed north coast of the Isle of Lewis the next stop is Iceland. This secluded section of the coast takes the full brunt of the Atlantic swells. The beach is made of a good stretch of golden sand flanked by rugged cliffs. At the north eastern end of the beach are a couple of sea stacks.

The Beach Guide

As we approached the bay we could hear the water. We noticed that there was often a burial ground near the coast. I have since learned that is because the land near a beach is easier to dig compared to the rocky inland locations.

It was windy and the water was “ choppy”. The waves were strong. The beach was lovely. Beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. A little cold but lovely nonetheless.

The surrounding view was rejuvenating.

It was a good stop.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022