Relaxing Itinerary for Couples – Summer 2022

Relaxing 4 Day Itinerary for Couples this Summer

Looking for some inspiration about what to do in East Lothian and the Borders this summer? Look no further! We have compiled a 4 day itinerary for you to make the most of your time here.

Tucked away in a beautiful rural, secluded location at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills, our luxury 4-star cottages are the perfect base for exploring East Lothian and the Scottish Borders. The cottages boast breath-taking views, private gardens, hot tubs (Traprain & Lammer Cottages), wood burning stoves and a fire pit in the nearby woodland. We offer a range of outdoor activities such as wild swimming, guided hill walks, foraging and paddle board yoga at the Danskine Loch on the farm. We also recommend cloud watching, getting up for the sunrise, going for a nature walk at night, cooking on a campfire and star gazing in the open countryside on your doorstep.

We are only a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh and a short drive to East Lothian’s famous beaches and coastal towns North Berwick, Gullane and Dunbar, as well as the market town of Haddington and beautiful unique villages Gifford, Garvald, Stenton and East Linton.

Pack up your car and head out to explore…

DAY ONE

MORNING – TANTALLON CASTLE, COFFEE AND CAKE AT DRIFT, SEABIRD CENTRE – NORTH BERWICK

LUNCH – THE ROCKETEER OR THE LOBSTER SHACK, BEACH WALK

AFTERNOON BERWICK LAW, NB DISTILLERY

DINNER – GARVALD INN

Set off and explore the popular coastal town of North Berwick, only 13 miles from the farm (or a 30-minute drive on the country roads, perfect for taking in the beautiful scenery).

Head to Tantallon Castle, a large medieval ruined castle set high on a cliff edge and take in the amazing views across the North Sea to the Bass Rock and its large seabird colonies, climb to the battlements, look up at the massive red sandstone curtain wall, view the artefacts, and imagine the clashes that took place here. Please note, it is best to call in advance to check if the castle is open as some restoration work is due to take place. After exploring, hop in the car for a half a mile to Drift Cliff Edge Café, a unique coffee house with breath-taking affinity views across the Firth of Forth Coast and the Bass Rock. Back in the car, the centre of North Berwick is only a few minutes away… park up and enjoy a wander round the town where you will find dozens of unique shops, cafes, galleries, a park and two beaches – West Beach and East Beach. Located in the middle of the two beaches is the Scottish Seabird Centre, a conservation and education charity with a 5-star interactive Discovery Experience and seasonal wildlife boat trips. Take a trip on the Seabird Catamaran Cruise for an hour around the island of Craigleith and the Bass Rock and see the world’s largest colony of Northern gannets. If you have more time (approx 4 hours), an Isle of May Boat Trip is a fantastic way to experience the wonders of the national nature reserve and wildlife haven, the Isle of May, which is also home to the largest Puffin colony on the East coast of Scotland.

Time for lunch – there are so many places to choose from, but we would recommend The Rocketeer or The Lobster Shack. The Rocketeer is situated in what was once the Coastguard Station and serves fresh local produce directly from the boats in the harbour such as lobster, fish & chips, seafood platters and burgers. The Lobster Shack is a charming little eaterie located at the harbour, selling local delicious crab, fish tacos, seafood chowder, lobster… Enjoy!

Walk off lunch along the two beaches, and if you’re lucky the vintage Luca’s ice cream van will be there! If you’re feeling up to it, go for a hike up Berwick Law, an ancient volcanic plug of phonolitic trachyte rock that is between 330 and 360 million years old, and take in the stunning views. Or, if you fancy a relaxing afternoon why not visit NB Distillery to see how they make their gin and sample a few. For a relaxed dinner after a busy day, why not try our lovely local pub & restaurant, the Garvald Inn – only a 2-minute drive or 40-minute walk from your cottage.

DAY TWO

MORNING – SUP YOGA ON THE DANSKINE LOCH OR FORAGING IN THE FOREST

LUNCH- AL FRESCO PICNIC, MASSAGE, WALK

AFTERNOON – GULLANE BEACH, IMMA’S ARTISAN GELATO

DINNER – THE BONNIE BADGER, GULLANE

If you’re after a relaxing day, then this is it! Have a leisurely morning in your cottage before heading down to the Danskine Loch on the farm to have a go at SUP Yoga with Ocean Vertical. No experience is required, and all equipment is included. Enjoy the natural surroundings and views across the water, switch off from the outside world and immerse yourself in the peaceful location. If water sports aren’t for you, have a go at foraging in the forest with consultant field mycologist Nev Kilkenny and discover local fungi and seasonal plants, learn to identify the species that you will encounter, and learn about their culinary, practical, and medicinal uses.

Head back to your cottage for a relaxing picnic in the garden and a walk in the countryside, followed by a relaxing massage by local massage therapist Lisa McIntosh in the comfort and privacy of your cottage.

After a peaceful morning, head to Gullane for a stroll along the award-winning beach Gullane Bents, treat yourself to an artisan gelato at Imma’s located on the main street, have a wander around the village and look in the unique shops. For a special dinner, head to the Bonnie Badger – a Scottish restaurant owned by the renowned chef Tom Kitchin – enjoy drinks in the bar or games room, and if you’re lucky with the weather enjoy dinner in their beautiful garden.

DAY THREE

MORNING – GUIDED WALK IN THE LAMMERMUIR HILLS

LUNCH – THE RESTORATION YARD AT DALKEITH COUNTRY PARK

AFTERNOON – GLENKINCHIE DISTILLERY, PENCAITLAND

DINNER – WATERSIDE BISTRO, HADDINGTON

Start your morning with a guided tour of the Lammermuir Hills with David Gray from Lammermuir Tours. The walk offers a breath-taking sense of space and isolation, with moorland, lochs, valleys, wildlife, and history of the Votadini tribe. The route passes prehistoric forts and drove roads against a spectacular backdrop over East Lothian and the Firth of Forth. Hillwalking gear for the time of year is essential. After a soak in the tub back at your cottage, why not pop along to The Restoration Yard at Dalkeith Country Park. Located in beautifully renovated 18^th century stables, there is a gorgeous shop, restaurant, and wellness space to enjoy as well as scenic walks around the estate. After lunch, head to the Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery in Pencaitland for Journey of Flavour Tour or a Flowers & Cocktails Class. They also have a bar for cocktails, drams, coffees and sharing platters. After some time at your cottage, why not take advantage of the free courtesy bus arranged by the Waterside Bistro in Haddington. As an award-winning bistro, they have a delicious menu of fresh local produce and are ideally situated on the banks of the River Tyne where you can enjoy stunning views across the river to St Mary’s Church and the Old Nungate Bridge.

DAY FOUR

MORNING – EYEMOUTH HARBOUR

LUNCH – THE SHIP BAR & RESTAURANT

AFTERNOON – COLDINGHAM BAY BEACH WALK

DINNER – CREEL RESTAURANT, DUNBAR

Head to the Borders town of Eyemouth for the day, only a 50-minute drive from your cottage. Visit the working harbour, have a look around the unique local shops and make sure to pop into award-winning Giacopazzi’s for ice cream – it must be good as they have been around since 1900! For lunch you can’t beat The Ship Bar & Restaurant serving fresh local food, seafood, guest ales and more. Before heading off, check out Sweet and Flour cakes for a treat later. On the drive home, stop off at Coldingham Bay, a sheltered sandy beach at the mouth of the Buskin Burn, for a peaceful, scenic walk. Driving up the East Coast on the way home, take a 5-minute detour to Dunbar for dinner at Creel Restaurant, a cosy wood-panelled Scottish restaurant nestled between the two historic harbours of Dunbar – the perfect retreat after a busy day.

WEBSITES

Tantallon Castle: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/tantallon-castle/

Drift: https://www.driftalong.co.uk/

Seabird Centre (including the Catamaran cruise & Isle of May Boat Trip): https://www.seabird.org/

The Rocketeer: https://www.rocketeerrestaurant.co.uk/

The Lobster Shack: https://www.lobstershack.co.uk/

Berwick Law: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/scotland/east-lothian/north-berwick-law

NB Distillery: https://nbdistillery.com/

The Garvald Inn: https://www.garvaldinn.co.uk/

SUP Yoga with Ocean Vertical: https://www.oceanvertical.com/

Foraging with Nev Kilkenny: www.fungi.co.uk

Lisa McIntosh, Massage Therapist: 07711 879 789