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Travel Tips Europe |
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Scotland? That’s no secret, one would usually say! Every holiday season thousands of Scotland enthusiasts make their pilgrimage to the holly land of romance and past time glory. The famous Highlands are the most visited tourist places. If you prefer a Scotland that’s much more natural and like it has been hundreds of years before, you should better avoid the northern parts of Scotland.
When I want to spend some days away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life I go to the Borders, the most southern part of Scotland. Yes, the scenery is not that dramatic and the atmosphere is less overwhelming but the Borders have their own hidden treasures. The landscape is lovely and green, the sky is soooo blue and the only sounds you hear (if you go to the right places) are the sheep on the rolling hills.
One of my favourite places is Hermitage Castle (I will not tell you the exact location, find out for yourself). The drive there alone is an attraction in itself. Take you time on the narrow lanes since sheep prefer the warm pavement of the street to the muddy grass and tend to hold their "Siesta" there. After about one hour on the meandering street you see Hermitage Castle on the horizon. It is an old Border Fortress and the defensive character is obvious. No frills on the outside (none on the inside either). Touch the grey stone walls and feel the history that took place there. One day back in the 16th century Mary, Queen of Scotts rode from Edinburgh to Hermitage in just one (!) day, to be with her serious wounded lover the Earl of Bothwell. What a feat if you remember that there have been no streets back in this time!! Well, love sometimes gives us wings....
In the afternoon why not pay a visit to one of the many ruined abbeys (Dryburgh Abbey in the picture). How much hatred must a people feel to destroy so much beauty? Anyway, the ruins too are imposing and fascinating. Dryburgh is also an often used venue for weddings. Can there be a more romantic place to tie the knot?
Not far from the lovely town of Kelso and the famous Floors Castle is Smailholm Tower. This ancient battlement tower was build to house the people of the surrounding area in times of war. Since the Borders have always been a place of war it certainly has been used a lot. Many Scottish castles have developed out of this form of fortified building (Castle Campbell). From the top of the building you will have a fantastic view over the Border Country.
Why not rest in style and choose a small country mension like Hundalee House (Jedburgh). This tastefully furnished manor house has been built in the early 1700’s and is set in 10 acres of beautiful wo