“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Weekend wandering around East Lothian

Last weekend was busy but so enjoyable that I thought you might like to see a few of the sights. 
We headed down the east coast of Scotland to East Lothian.

Here's a map to help you locate the area if you're not familiar with the location. 
Image result for east lothianMap of east lothian
(Courtesy of Google)
We were helping our daughter relocate, so the car was fit to pop with boxes and belongings.
But once offloaded we were free to explore the area. 
The weather was really kind to us and we were able to appreciate the area and warmth of the sun.
It's much drier on the East coast than the West. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I'm on this side of Scotland. 
Here's the River Tyne (not to be confused with the one in the North East of England) crashing through rocks at East Linton.
The bridge at East Linton, which once carried The Great North Road, forms the backdrop to a spectacular scene at the Linn Rocks. 
I couln't help myself traversing the rocks to get better photos of the waterfall, river and bridge. 
My daughter has seen kingfishers feeding at this particular spot but I wasn't so lucky. 
There's also otters been spotted. 
I'd have probably fallen in with my excitment if I had seen them, so maybe it's just as well I didn't. 
I just wish I'd taken more photo's... not only of the river bank with it's elegant willows dipping over the water, but also the incredible buildings and attractive architecture. 
All of these things have combined over the years to make East Linton a natural haven for artists.
The roar from the water was incredibly loud and I was aware that I wasn't wearing appropriate footwear but it was all worth the risk.
I'm hoping that I manage to name all of the photo's correctly because our tour guide (our daughter) was incredibly efficient in showing us as much of the area as possible.
But there was time to stop and take in a view and have a walk.
The photo below was Seacliff beach and I have to say was stunning.
Seacliff comprises a beach, an estate and a habour. 
We had to pay to enter the beach... but I thought £2 was a reasonable amount.
(There are lots of beaches with no charge for admission but this one is part of a private estate) 
Can you spot the lifeboat on manoeuvres? 
The island just off centre of the photo is Bass Rock which is a volcanic rock which homes a large colony of gannets. 
At certain times of the year the rock looks white just by the amount of birds perched on the island. 
There are boat trips to the island which hopefully we'll manage to fit in on another day. 
There's also masses of history revolving around the island. 
It has a lighthouse too.
I couldn't resist taking this photo even though some were nervous about me perching so near to the edge. 
I just don't get it.
 The guy fishing just stood there... heaven knows how long he'd been there and he didn't even have a seat. Just a couple of fishing rods balanced on stands. 
Maybe he was contemplating the meaning of life or something. 
The glorious blue sky was incredible.
I was quite envious of the riders below enjoying riding along the beach. 
The last time I did that was over 12,000 miles away and the temperature was certainly a little warmer. 
It's a good job we had had a huge Full Scottish Breakfast to sustain us over the day... especially with all our exploring and walking. 
Even Muffy was like a racehorse over the sand. 
I've honestly never seen her run so much. 
I thought she'd sieze up the next day and not be able to walk with so much exercise. 
She's not bad for an old girl 
Two surprises await at this end of the beach. 
The first is the view of Tantallon Castle that emerged from behind the headland. The second is an incredible harbour that has been carved out of the rocks of a feature known as the Gegan. This was constructed in 1890 by Andrew Laidley, the then laird, who used a steam engine and compressed air to cut the stone. Even with the technology of the day, this must have been a daunting project.
It has been claimed that the harbour is Scotland's smallest. It's certainly Scotland's most unexpected and one of it's most intriguing harbours.

(If you'd like to read more about this area with all of it's history then click here)
A pit stop was certainly needed after so much exploring, so we headed into North Berwick for a coffee (or cuppa in my case) and a cakee.
We decided to visit the Steampunk Coffee  cafe which is a fantastic coffee shop set in a warehouse that roasts it's own coffee, plus has delicious cakes and snacks.
Both my hubby and daughter raved about the coffee. 
Apparently, it was best coffee that they'd had since leaving Melbourne! 
I loved the fact that they had a live DJ who played brilliant vinyl records that just had the right jazzy sound for a Sunday afternoon. 
The atmosphere was great and would certainly be a favourite pit stop for me if I lived in North Berwick. 
My hubby became besotted as soon as we sat down, but who would have guessed it would be an old wood stove! 
He couldn't take his eyes off her!
Here she is...
If you'd like to visit Steampunk coffee or learn more about their ethos then click here

I must add that Mufftypup was allowed in too and although she's very well behaved I still find this amazing that places ie cafe's and pubs will allow dogs into their premises.
I was worried about taking her away for the weekend but thanks to this symbol displayed in so many places all my worries were unnecessary.
She was very happy too curled up under the tables all cosy and resting before the next adventure.
Image result for logo for dog friendly pubs

With all the talk about cuppa's and refreshments I need to grab a little something before we head out tonight. I know going out on a school night... there's no stopping us!!!
Have a great week everyone until we meet again.

23 comments:

  1. That was a great little "wander around". You certainly took in plenty of the sights. The Gegan harbour is amazing. The chap must have had some very small ships / boats!

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    1. I'm glad you could join me Mark. It was a whistle stop tour which my daughter had jam packed for us.
      The Gegan harbour was a complete surprise that she'd kept secret until we stumbled across the rocks and found it.
      It was amazing but unfortunately without a little wee boat in it to give it scale.
      I think this website site link shows the harbour with a boat inside it...
      http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/northberwick/seacliff/

      Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a great weekend... enjoy!

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  2. Thanks for taking us with you on your road trip. Some beautiful places but then Scotland is a beautiful country! Steve stands right on Cliff edges for photos and it gives me conniptions!! i love that wood stove-i can see why your husband fell in love with it! !

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    1. My pleasure Nic, I'm glad you were able to join me.
      You're so right... there are so many wonderful places to see in this part of the world especially if you're lucky with the weather too.
      Oh Steve... but I know that feeling... you'll do anything for that shot!
      That wood stove is really ornate but I'm not so sure it would do for us. The logs would have to be wee to fit into the door. One of our's here takes tree trunks by comparison... which I like as it blasts out heat. (purrr purrrr ^..^)
      Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by

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  3. What a fabulous adventure. I envy your going to that fabulous cafe; fresh coffee, fresh soup, fresh bread and fresh cakes! OMGoodness what's not to enjoy!? Lol I'm not surprised your hubs was besotted by that fire, she's certainly a beauty! TFS Denise {{hugs}} xox

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    1. Aww Mo... but at least you could come with us if only in virtual reality it's better than nothing.
      That cafe is certainly a treasure that you should keep in mind if you visit North Berwick. My daughter loves the place and visits regularly as for the wood burner he googled all about her when he got home. He's obsessed... really.
      Have a great weekend and thanks for popping into my place once again
      Hugs backatcha

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  4. What a gorgeous area to walk. Just love the beach and the little harbor is so interesting. Thanks so much for sharing.

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    1. Hi Patti,
      There are so many fabulous walks around this part of the world... and most beaches are virtually deserted. I just wish I'd have taken a video of Muffy running on that beach. She was like a whippet or greyhound, not a mini shih tzu!
      It was my pleasure to share and I'm glad that you were able to join me.

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  5. Thank you so much for taking us with you... What a treat to take a break from packing and look at all your lovely pictures over a glass of diet root beer. Its a little warm here...well warmer than it has been. In the 70's i'd say.. all windows are open and the fans are on... Beautiful Spring day..... Hugs!deb

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    1. I'm so glad you could join me and have a break from your packing Deb,
      Warm... hmm... I'll have to think hard to remember drinking cooling drinks in the heat. 70's would be perfect. We're very springlike here but this weekend has dipped to cooler temperatures once again. I can't wait to have windows open and to pack away thermals!
      Enjoy the warmth. Hugs back to you and thanks for helping me remember warmer times.

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  6. What an interesting post. As a child I lived in and around Edinburgh so am familiar with the Bass Rock and North Berwick but I've never been to East Linton so I've learned a lot more about it from you today. Love the photo taken of the rushing water on the river and the one of the tiny harbour too. All I need now is a trip over there to see it all for myself. I wish your daughter much happiness in her new home. Elizabeth xx

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    1. Aww thanks Elizabeth, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the post.
      It's great to hear about your childhood memories. Now you need to add to them by visiting these places. Let me know when you're on your way ;D
      Thanks for your wishes for my daughter too... it all seems to be coming together nicely and she's happy.
      She's actually home here this weekend. With only being a few hours drive away it's great to nip up and down.
      Have a great weekend and thanks for taking the time to comment. As you know I love a natter!

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  7. It's such a beautiful place for a wander, if only it wasn't so cold. That heater is gorgeous, I would have hugged it :)

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    1. It was a glorious barmy 14 degrees Vonny... not cold at all!
      Wow listen to me, I must finally be acclimatising at last.
      You could have hugged the heater because it wasn't switched on. I imagine when it is on if you hugged it you'd get some serious tatoo's.
      Waving from a spring-like Bonnie Scotland ;D

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  8. Looks like a fabulous weekend! Thanks for sharing your pics!

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    1. It was indeed Michellem,
      We've had a busy time lately so it was great to get away for a few days.
      Thanks for taking the time to stop by my place.
      Have a wonderful weekend

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  9. What an amazing area to explore! Love the itty bitty harbor!. And I absolutely love your far off horizon pics. Puts me in a daydreamy mood and I long for the high Mesa of New Mexico and Colorado. sign.... Sending warm wishes to D for all the best in her new home and may her business continue to thrive. Warm sultry hugs from FL.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed our little gadabout Nan,
      That harbour was incredible... it's a pity that there wasn't a boat in it just to give you the scale. I'm stunned by the fact that someone thought to build it there.
      Thanks so much for all your lovely wishes for my daughter. It's all working out wonderfully well at the moment... so let's hope it continues.
      I'll have to send you slightly chilly hugs from Bonnie Scotland but maybe you might need to cool off a wee bitee ;D
      Have a wonderful weekend whatever you have on your plan.
      Have fun!

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  10. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing! Love the shapes of the islands off the coast

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    1. It was my pleasure Jane,
      I'm happy that you enjoyed it.
      Have a great weekend and thanks for taking time out to leave me a comment.

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  11. I enjoyed all your photos of an area I will probably never get to see in person. There are so many wonderful places to travel. It's a good thing we can see some of them in photos ;-)

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  12. How beautiful is that? Seriously.....
    You live in a very beautiful part of the world!
    Thanks for the tour....
    Enjoy your week...
    Cheers ,
    Linda :o)

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  13. I live near Seacliff and it is indeed a magical place!
    Here is a link to a few blog posts on Seacliff for anyone interested to read here;
    http://coastkid.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/seacliff

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I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.
I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)
...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

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