East Lothian & Beyond

East Lothian is one of Scotland's best kept secrets.

With a unique microclimate that offers more sunshine than most other locations in Scotland, it is rich is rolling farmland, cliff top walks, beaches, golf courses, rambling cycle routes, historic houses and castles, charming villages and seaside town - in fact everything you might want for a relaxing holiday or a short break in the country.

Stately Homes and Castles

Tantallon Castle, to the west and just a few miles to the other side of North Berwick, is one of Scotland's best! Originally built by the dreaded Douglas family in the 14th C, it sits on top of a cliff and has never succumbed to storm, only to guile. General Monck, one of Cromwell's henchmen, finally sacked it in the 1650's but you can still climb to the top of the battlements, go down to the dungeon and peer nervously over the oubliette. Dirleton Castle is a splendid 13th century ruin set in lovely gardens with a world famous herbaceous border only 2 miles from Greywalls. Hailes Castle near East Linton. was the hide-out of the notorious Bothwell, Mary Queen of Scot's husband, and has an infamous bottle dungeon two thirds full of bone and hair - because once dropped in you physically could not be got out!

Scotland boasts many fine houses. One of the closest to Greywalls is Gosford, the home of the Earl of Wemyss which is occasionally open to the public. However, if you are prepared for a couple of hours drive, there are several excellent options. I would suggest Abbotsford, near Melrose, which was the home of Sir Walter Scott and provides an interesting illustration of the "upstairs and downstairs" life in the Edwardian country house, exceptionally well presented by Lord Palmer. These houses are all situated in the Scottish Borders, itself a pleasure to drive through on even an indifferent day. Two other excellent options are Mellerstain and Bowhill, both beautiful houses with lovely gardens, the first owned by the Earl of Haddington and the second by the Duke of Buccleuch.

Beaches and Walks

There is plenty of golden sand in East Lothian. Probably the best beaches are Seacliff, just past Tantallon Castle on the other side of North Berwick, Yellowcraig, 2 miles away towards North Berwick, and Freshwater Haven, in which the action in Robert Louis Stevenson's book "Pavilion on the Links" is set, just the other side of Muirfield golf course.

In the Lammermuirs which can be seen in the distance from Greywalls, there are beautiful views and walks. A particularly good area is near the Whiteadder reservoir beyond Gifford, a very pretty village nestling under the moors. Only two miles from Grlewalls there is the Aberlady Nature Reserve, which is renowned for its bird life. This reserve is a mud flat where the tide goes out for three miles. If you get your timing right and walk (gum booted) out to the low water mark in the middle of the bay, there are two wrecks of 'K' class First World War submarines. Make sure you leave them on time, as the tide comes in at the speed of galloping horses!

The Seabird Centre and John Muir Park

The Scottish Seabird Centre is located in North Berwick. An innovative interpretation centre with great displays on the puffins, seals and seabirds to be found in the Firth of Forth it is a must for the naturalist, birdwatcher or anyone with an interest in seabirds. Live webcams link the centre to the islands and their inhabitants.

The John Muir Country Park takes in some of the most spectacular East Lothian Coastline. Eight miles from Greywalls it is named after John Muir, the famous explorer, naturalist and conservationist who was born in Dunbar in 1838. His pioneering conservation work and various nature publications led to him being dubbed America's founder of National Parks. A small display commemorating his work can be seen at John Muir House in Dunbar.

Boat Trips

There are two boat trips available from North Berwick harbour; to Fidra (the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island") and to the Bass Rock. The Bass Rock is a paradise for ornithologists who will see gannet, guillemot, razorbill, puffin, shag, kittiwake and fulmar. You should go. It is a volcanic rocky crag and one time prison, standing guard on the southern coast of the First of Forth. A trip round it will take about one hour by boat piloted by the Marr family (Tel 892838). If you arrange it in advance you can land on them both.

Edinburgh - Scotland's Capital City.

30 minutes drive from Greywalls is Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, reflecting the history; culture and personality of the nation.

From the first view of the Castle, with its dramatic tales of siege, dark deeds and intrigue, to the last long rays of sunshine over the restaurants and bars of the port of Leith, Edinburgh represents the essence of Scotland, its history and its modern day nationhood. Indeed, it can be argued that this is where the heart of Scotland and the Scots beats strongest. Edinburgh Castle, open all year, stands on a rocky crag which has been fortified for over 2,000 years. Scotland's own crown jewels, the Honours of Scotland, are on display within the castle along with an equally potent symbol of nationhood, the Stone of Destiny on which Scottish monarchs were crowned.

To the north of the castle, the shops and department stores of Princes Street mark the beginning of the Georgian New Town, an area of handsome buildings and broad avenues with attractions such as the Scottish National Gallery of Modem Art and the Royal Botanic Garden. A little further to the north in the city at the port of Leith is the recently berthed former yacht of Her Majesty the Queen, HMY Britannia which is open to visitors.

Edinburgh is a compact city, ideal for exploration on foot either independently or with one of the many guides who offer insights into all aspects of its history. Haunted evening walks with ghostly guides could make a memorable end to the day for some visitors!