My first experience with bikepacking was back in 2006, crossing Scotland on a mountain bike, burdened with a 14kg backpack to carry everything I needed for a three week trip across the Highlands & Islands. Back then, I hadn’t heard about East Lothian, and bikepacking bags hadn’t been invented. The most common feedback I got from my friends about the trip were the words crazy and amazing. I muted the crazy and focussed on the amazing.

I left Scotland for a while after that trip, but in 2009 I returned after two years in New Zealand. I had spent the last two years cycle touring on the other side of the world, often called ‘Scotland on steroids’. The more I toured, the less I took with me, and from the initial two pannier setup, I went back to carrying everything on my back. This gave me the opportunity to wander much more off the beaten track. My cycling became much more adventurous. The last two months before I left for Europe were mostly spent on two wheels, following the tire tracks of the Kennett Brothers, exploring the South and North Island.

When I settled in Edinburgh in 2009, I abandoned mountain biking for a while. With no car, I relied on public transport most of the time, but after a while I got tired of the long train journeys there and back. Instead of taking the train I decided to cycle to places, inspired by the riders in the 1930s that went from Youth Hostel to Youth Hostel. I took very little with me, a toothbrush, a spare base layer, a pair of boxer shorts and my credit card would do, plus a few essentials like pump, patches and multi tool. On some weekends I would ride more than 500km easily. In my own way I became addicted to road cycling. 

As the years went on, the attraction of the road bike slowly faded away, in 2013 I rediscovered the joys of a mountain bike. Simplicity became the key to my riding, so I went on to convert my mountain bike into a singlespeed bike. When I heard about the Highland Trail 550 in late 2013, I applied for a place and got accepted. I still hadn’t heard about bikepacking bags. A few days before the  race, one of the toughest in the world, a friend from Hamburg offered to lend me his bags and saved my race.

‘Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.’ John Muir

I didn’t take me long to get hooked. Although I was one of the slowest racers in the Highland Trail 550 I finished the race. Considering that more than half of the starters drop out, this was an achievement, the finishing time didn’t matter much to me. I was amazed by the flexibility the bags gave me, and was also stunned by how little it takes to have an adventure in Scotland. All my belongings were stuffed away in two smallish bags. My bike was light enough to lift it over fences. With bikepacking I discovered a totally different side of Scotland. I loved being in the mountains, I enjoyed the solitude and remoteness. 

Soon after I started developing my own routes, and this is when I first discovered East Lothian. For the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling I wanted to create my own bikepacking event and therefore a new route. When I stumbled across the Cross Borders Drovers Road I started searching for historical routes in the Scottish Borders. But in order to get there I needed a good route out of Edinburgh. What I found was a paradise right next to my front door, a part of Scotland I had not explored before. East Lothian offered so much while being so close to home. Instead of spending hours on the train heading up to the Highlands, I explored the tracks in East Lothian. 

The Capital Trail attracted more than 80 riders in June 2015, a huge success given that bikepacking was still in its early days. While most people loved the wilderness of the Scottish Borders, it were the trails in East Lothian that stunned people the most and incentivised them to come back.

Shortly after the Capital Trail I left to cycle around the world. While I had every intention to get to the UK Singlespeed Championships in two days, my first day didn’t go to plan at all. Leaving late at 4.30pm in the afternoon forced me to rethink my plans and cut the first day short. When I climbed up to the Lammermuirs, I experienced one of the best sunsets I had in the whole year, a memory that stayed with me for the rest of the journey. And while I could still spot the lights of Edinburgh from where I pitched my tent on the first night, I really felt that this is a part of the world I would love to explore more. 

When I returned after a year of experiences, cycling 34,000km through 26 different countries, I had to give my life a new direction.  Bikepacking was still developing, but at a much faster pace than when I left. Working on the Capital Trail and receiving great feedback for the route encouraged me to change direction and start Bikepacking Scotland and become a freelance marketing and tourism consultant. Although some great routes already existed in Scotland, I had the strong feeling that there was potential for much more.

Gradually I built up an offer of routes. First was the Reiver Raid, a bikepacking journey in the Ale Water Valley. The next route was the West Island Trail, a bikepacking journey connecting four hostels in the west of Scotland. Shortly afterwards I devised a route that combined bikepacking with scenic railway journeys, the West Highland Rover, while continuously working on the biggest project, the Central Belter, for almost a year. For the Wild About Argyll Trail I worked with Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative to create the first bikepacking trail for gravel bikes. During the year my approach to creating those routes became much more defined. The feedback for each new route gave me the opportunity to improve things.

When I got approached by Elaine from East Lothian Council to present on those projects last December, I got excited about returning to East Lothian. What was missing in the portfolio was a shorter route, accessible for people new to bikepacking. Something families can enjoy, and a route that is short enough to encourage people to leave their office for once during the week, strap a tent, mattress and sleeping bag on the bike and go out there. 

The Go East Lothian Trail offers all the adventure the longer routes bikepacking offer, but in a more condensed format. I haven’t met anyone who tried bikepacking and didn’t like it. Bikepacking is a good incentive to take only what you need, and nothing more. It’s a great opportunity to reduce yourself to the things that really matter, something that gets lost too often in modern day societies.

‘Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.’  John Muir

Bikepacking gives you the chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy those stunning views. The East Lothian Trail is designed in a way that you can do that without any hardship that long distance routes bring with them. There is a great variety of surfaces along the route, from quiet tarmac roads to some very nice singletrails. There’s a café around the corner, there’s the opportunity to meet local people. And if you are too tired, there’s always a train not too far away. And if you are hungry for more, there’s plenty of opportunity to extend the route.

As every route development involves a lot of riding, I used the shorter distance as an opportunity to try different bikes riding the Go East Lothian Trail. I started on my 27.5plus adventure bike, then took my round the world singlespeed bike, a gravel bike and finally an e-mountain bike. I rode the route in one go, and took my time and camped overnight, with one of the best views ever, watching the sun setting over the Lomond Hills on the other side of the Forth.

All the time I rode the route I had a big smile on my face. And that’s exactly what I would like you to take away from riding the trail. And if you do, then tell others about it. 

https://youtu.be/XCnPDdq9qis

A day trip is nothing without the right food and drink.  Sometimes this is just a picnic or fish and chips on the beach.  Other times, it is about finding the right pub, restaurant or café in which to enjoy the local offerings.  Here are some of my favourite foodie day trip ideas in East Lothian

The Gullane Road-trip

On a bonnie day, a road-trip out to Gullane is a fine idea.  Only 20 miles from Edinburgh, Gullane is mostly known for its golf.  But it is also ideal for a day out - with a beautiful beach for a spot of sunbathing or walking.  After your exercise, why not stop for a spot of lunch at The Old Clubhouse.  This relaxed eatery has plentiful seating inside, as well as an outdoor area for good weather.  With a variety of pub classics, as well as bistro favourites such as crab cakes and charcuterie, you will likely find something to suit everyone.  The Old Clubhouse is also dog-friendly, which means your furry friend can enjoy your road-trip too!  

A Fine Day for Fine Dining

I like nothing more than a well appointed dining room and lovely white linen table cloths.  But alongside that the food must be locally sourced and well-balanced.  There are some wonderful fine dining experiences in East Lothian, as well as bistro options that highlight the best of the area’s produce.  For a luxurious dining experience, try Chez Roux at Greywalls, Gullane – the scallops were delicious.  For a Tweed Valley steak in a characterful setting, try The Rocks in Dunbar.

The Dunbar Harbour walk-nic

Picnics are so passé, walk-nics are the new alternative.  With the prevalence of street food, and with such a stunning harbour to stroll around, why not try it?  There are often food trucks down at the harbour, or you could grab an ice-cream to walk with.  Our chosen walking food was a panini – the most mobile of all sandwiches!  Although, beware the seagulls who will likely want to steal your chosen food item! 

On your stroll, keep an eye out for Sammy, the harbour’s resident seal, who you can regularly see patrolling the harbour hoping for a lucky meal.  On our recent visit, he swam up and down next to the fishing boats, looking for some morsels from the fishermen.  

At one end of the harbour is the remnants of Dunbar Castle; a haven for Kittiwakes.  And over the other side, Dunbar Battery.  This historic outpost was built during the Napoleonic war but never used; it also once hosted a hospital for containment of infectious diseases!  Nowadays it is a renewed area for the public, including a small amphitheatre for performances.

The North Berwick tipple

Whether you prefer gin and tonic, or just a soda water; there is nothing better than finding the perfect spot to have a refreshing beverage after a day of beach-combing.  North Berwick has a lot to offer for a day trip (read all about that here) - shops, golf, walking, and the Scottish Seabird Centre, so you’ll need a place to relax after a day out.  For a great selection of whiskeys, try the Auld Hoose on Forth Street.  For tasty food and a good range of gin, try The Ship Inn.  Both are dog-friendly.

Whether you are out to enjoy the natural beauty of East Lothian, or to do a spot of shopping at one of the many independent retailers the area hosts; there is a great array of foodie options to sample any taste or budget.  From foodie day trips, to eating out options on a longer stay, East Lothian has many cafés, restaurants and bars to choose from.  Check out the listings here.

Hannah Henderson - www.hannahhendersontravel.com

One of life’s luxuries is a sumptuous Afternoon Tea served in beautiful surroundings. East Lothian, Scotland’s Food & Drink County is not short on great places to enjoy traditional Afternoon Tea.  There are too many places to mention them all but we thought you might like a few suggestions.  

From exclusive luxury hotels to intimate tearooms there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Carberry Tower

One of the great Castle Mansion Houses of Scotland, Carberry Tower is a multi-award winning, luxury 4 star Castle hotel with a highly acclaimed Bistro, situated just outside Edinburgh in scenic East Lothian countryside.

Homemade scones with fresh cream and jam, the finest selection of crustless sandwiches, home-made cakes, steaming coffees and beautifully infused teas; Afternoon Tea at Carberry also has the added flourish of a fresh fruit sorbet!

Not only can you indulge in a Champagne or Prosecco version but also on offer is a G&T Afternoon Tea!

Greywalls

Greywalls Hotel is uniquely situated on the edge of Muirfield championship golf course with stunning views over East Lothian and the Firth of Forth.  

Greywalls serves Afternoon Tea in a new Summer House Tea Room, set in the tranquil surroundings of this stylish Edwardian mansion.  

Select tea leaves from a unique tea menu and enjoy the Chef's savoury finger sandwiches, freshly made scones and selection of sweet delicatessens. A Champagne option is available or if you prefer you can choose to have tea and scones.

Nether Abbey

In the picturesque town of North Berwick, the Nether Abbey Hotel offers traditional Afternoon Teas, Cream Teas and a Champagne Tea.

As well as a choice of fine teas you will be treated to assorted finger sandwiches with local produce, fruit scones with a choice of preserves, butter and whipped cream and a selection of homemade pastries.

Dunbar Garden Centre

Ideally located just off the main A1 road in Dunbar, the Dunbar Garden Centre is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Afternoon teas comprise freshly brewed filter coffee or a pot of speciality tea, choice of sandwich fillings, scones with cream and jam, selection of home baked cakes and sweet treats. Gluten-free options are available.

Merryhatton Garden Centre

Just a short drive from Edinburgh, set in the rolling East Lothian countryside and close to the National Museum of Flight, Merryhatton Garden Centre also boasts a great café. 

Enjoy Afternoon Tea with a selection of delicious hand-made sandwiches, scones and cakes, served with coffee or a pot of tea.

While the café is not licensed, guests are welcome to bring their own fizz for a special occasion – glasses are provided and corkage is free!

Smeaton Nurseries & Tearoom

This is a real hidden gem of a tearoom tucked away in an old greenhouse and walled garden in what is a well-established plant nursery in the pretty village of East Linton.

As well as lunches and snacks, Smeaton offers Cream Teas featuring homemade sandwiches and scones with a selection of teas or coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.

Archerfield Walled Garden

The Walled Garden is situated in Archerfield Estate just outside Dirleton. Afternoon Tea combines open sandwiches, sweet treats, fruit scone, cakes & bakes with the added bonus of a mug of chef’s daily soup!

For groups of 8 or more The Walled Garden Tea Party is perfect.  Celebrate an occasion with friends & family in style. This sharing afternoon tea is presented with true garden party chic and there is a Prosecco option!

Bringing your furry friend? A Dog Menu is available in the bar and outside tables. All of the pup grub and doggy drinks are nutritionally balanced, super healthy, and doggy diet dedicated.

Whether we’re on holiday, taking a walk or on a day out there’s no doubt that the photos we take are a very important part of our experiences.

East Lothian has no shortage of great locations for snapping special moments or capturing that amazing image that will be the envy of our friends!  Some of these are (or should be!) instantly recognisable.  Iconic places come to mind such as The Bass Rock, Tantallon Castle, North Berwick Law and The Bridge to Nowhere.

We are delighted to introduce you to another of our Young Digital Ambassadors who has a great talent for not only photographing but also filming some of these icons of East Lothian as well as some locations that tend not to feature quite so often.  

Simon Robertson who publishes as East Lothian by Drone – you’ve guessed it – has a great talent for aerial photography and we are pleased to be able to share some of his work with you and to give you a different view of East Lothian, Edinburgh’s Coast & Countryside.

Traprain Law

Hailes Castle

And what’s more – Simon has a full time job with Sky and produces this amazing work in his spare time.  He studied digital media and communications at university, which led to photography, filming and design becoming hobbies.  

Simons says, ‘ I see a lot of excel spread sheets and numbers all day and don’t have much time to enjoy the outdoors.  When I do get the chance combining my passion for media and design with the technical aspects of using a drone allows me to escape and experience the outdoors in a way that most people would never be able to and to bring wonderful places alive to visitors & locals.’

Visit East Lothian will be showcasing some of Simon’s work across our social platforms.  Please keep a look out as we share Simon’s experiences, introduce new places and old favourites from a new perspective and highlight the natural beauty and diversity of Scotland’s east coast.  

Check out East Lothian by Drone too and help Simon with is goal to share the new places he sees and have some fun along the way!

https://www.instagram.com/eastlothiandrone

https://m.facebook.com/eastlothiandrone/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ8YUGXHpM5TSBRdfBpQ7Bg

https://eastlothiandrone.bigcartel.com/

On 21st April 1838, East Lothian’s most famous son John Muir was born in the town of Dunbar.  Muir became known the World over as a farmer, inventor, botanist, geologist, explorer, mountaineer, writer and pioneer of nature conservation.

His early formative years were spent in East Lothian, and it was there exploring the countryside and coastline that he developed a lifelong love of nature and the great outdoors. A love which would earn him the names ‘John of the Mountains’ and the ‘Father of National Parks’.  

He left Scotland aged 11 with his family to start a new life in Wisconsin, America.   His introduction to Yosemite Valley, California, resulted in his campaign to preserve wilderness for wilderness’ sake. This led to the establishment of the world’s first national park system. Today he is remembered as a pioneer of the modern conservation movement.

John Muir Day

On 21st April, we remember John Muir who would have been 180 years old this year.  A range of celebrations are taking place across Scotland including some special events in his birthplace of East Lothian.  Look out for offers and activities at Newhailes House & Garden, Belhaven Bikes, Archerfield Walled Garden, John Muir Birthplace, East Links Family, East Lothian Museums, Historic Environment Scotland and Youth Enterprise Trust.  For more information visit here.

The John Muir Way

The John Muir Way was opened in 2014, to coincide with the centenary of his death. The 134-mile, long distance walking and cycling route starts in Helensburgh on Scotland’s West Coast. This is where the young John Muir sailed off on a ship with his family, to begin a new life in America. From Helensburgh the route winds eastward, eventually passing through Edinburgh, before reaching East Lothian and ending fittingly in Dunbar.

If the thought of a long-distance walk makes your feet hurt, you could try one of the ten shorter sections of the route instead. The final 15-mile stretch runs from North Berwick to Dunbar. It passes through some stunning countryside and coastline, skirting by North Berwick Law, which can be climbed as an optional detour for those feeling particularly energetic. The walk to the summit is short and steep and the views are rewarding, so it’s well worth a little extra effort to climb. For Outlander fans, there’s the historic Preston Mill , where a certain Highlander called Jamie Fraser bathed in the river by the mill in a scene that’s become a firm favourite with fans! The John Muir Way ends on Dunbar’s High Street at the house where he was born, which is now a museum.  A must for anyone with an interest in Muir’s life is a visit to his Birthplace Museum

Dunbar today

Dunbar remains popular with visitors today. It’s a vibrant harbour town with a good mix of tourist accommodation, shops, eateries and things to do. It’s a town where the great outdoors lies directly on the doorstep in the form of rugged cliffs, beach and parkland. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a short break or day trip. Why not pay it a visit to get better acquainted with its most famous son and discover the wildlife, countryside and coastline that sparked his lifelong love of nature. You never know it may even ignite something in you too.

Blog by Hannah Henderson www.hannahhendersontravel.com

Easter holiday activity idea

There is nothing better than taking one of your precious weekend days off and doing a day trip!  Even better if you are on holiday this Easter and have a lot of days to fill! For us, that involves anywhere within reach from Edinburgh, and one of our favourites is a day trip to North Berwick.  North Berwick is a town 25 miles east of Edinburgh, in the region of East Lothian.  Only 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh, it makes for an easy day excursion, and has lots to offer.  This coastal town really is a delightful spot to visit.

Main Street

The main street in North Berwick is lined with small independent shops, cafés, gift shops and restaurants.  There is also an old-fashioned sweet shop, a pet shop, and various general stores.  There is a real village feel to this main street.  At the beach end is an award winning public toilet – an absolute essential facility in a seaside town!

The Beach

North Berwick has two bays with beaches – Milsey Bay and West Bay.  Milsey Bay is a sweeping soft white sandy curve, stretching from the Scottish Seabird Centre at the east end to the Glen Golf Course at the west end.  There is a tidal swimming pool, and there is often an ice-cream van sitting nearby, waiting to feed the hardy Scottish beach-goers!  Milsey Bay is also dog-friendly, for those of us with four-legged furry friends.

Wildlife

Two kilometres off the coast is the uninhabited island of the Bass Rock.  Home to a huge gannet colony, this rock is often a shining white with the nesting birds.  You can take boat tours in the summer months out to the islands for some bird and other wildlife watching – you can often spot seals and dolphins!

At the west end of Milsey Bay is the Scottish Seabird Centre.  This award-winning conservation and education charity is a fabulous place for kids (and kids at heart), and all animal lovers.  You can have a go at controlling some of the many cameras set up to let you observe various wildlife in the area, learn about conservation, and book thrilling boat trips.  Visit here for more information and booking details. 

Food

Like any good coastal town in Scotland, there is a fish & chip shop.  Even on dreich days, there is nothing better than getting yourself a fish supper and sitting on the sea wall with your dinner!  Your dinner may get sandy, and your dog may very well steal your piece of fish, but it all adds to the charm of seaside al fresco dining.  Afterwards, try a visit the dog-friendly pub, The Ship Inn, where you can sample a great selection of beer and gin, and a diverse menu of hearty fare.

North Berwick is such an easy day trip from Edinburgh, and it couldn’t be a sweeter destination.  With just the right combination of accessibility, amenities and wild coastline, North Berwick has it all.  If you need to get out of the city, or to clear the cobwebs, I recommend a North Berwick day trip.

As the days get longer and the sun once more shines in East Lothian – one of the country’s sunniest places – we thought we’d take the time to showcase some great images to inspire you to get out and about!

We are also delighted to introduce you to Charlotte McIntyre.  

A former Knox Academy student, 16-year-old Charlotte has a keen interest in photography and has produced some truly stunning images of East Lothian.  We hope you agree that Charlotte has a great creative talent which she is looking forward to develop at college.  In this the Year of Young People, we are pleased to be working with Charlotte as a Visit East Lothian Digital Ambassador.  Look out for her images across our social channels – on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Dunbar is renowned for its high sunshine record, rugged coastline and attractive countryside. Its broad High Street is packed full of unique local shops and cafes, the town also provides the start or end of the John Muir Way, a long distance walking and cycling route between Helensburgh on the west coast of Scotland and Dunbar in the east.

 

What to see and do....

• Visit Foxlake Adventures home to Scotland’s first wakeboarding cable tow park.
• Find out about John Muir – founder of America’s National Parks movement at John Muir’s Birthplace.
• Take a stroll in John Muir Country Park, nature reserve complete with outdoor play park.
• You’re guaranteed family fun at East Links Family Park.
• Take a splash at Dunbar Leisure Pool with waves, flumes and slides.
• Walk down to the harbour and see the ruins of Dunbar Castle or explore the Battery on Lamer Island which has been transformed into special location for events.
• Enjoy a round of golf at Winterfield Golf Course or Dunbar Golf Club.
• Belhaven Bay is great for surfing and Dunbar East Beach is perfect for rock pooling.

East Linton is a beautiful country village between Dunbar and Haddington. These days it is gaining fame as an Outlander location.  Visit Preston Mill which features in the American hit TV series and is managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The quaint square is an ideal spot to relax and admire the architecture, including the listed St Andrew’s Church.

What to see and do....

• Take a stroll from the Square down Mill Wynd to The Linn, the waterfall that gives East Linton its name.
• The National Museum of Flight at East Fortune, home to over 50 vintage aircraft including a Spitfire, Tigermoth and Vulcan, as well as a Concorde, is just a stone’s throw away.
• Preston Mill, an unusually shaped old water mill in a beautiful picturesque setting, last working mill in East Lothian, visitors can still see working machinery on a tour.
• Visit Smeaton Nursery, a lovely garden centre set in a beautiful walled garden with tearooms.

The county town of Haddington is a must for foodies and culture vultures! Enjoy Haddington Farmers’ Market, which takes place on the last Saturday of every month.  A good mixture of shops including many independent retailers, cafes and restaurants sell fresh local produce. St Mary's Church, which dates from the 14th century, is one of the three great pre-reformation churches in the Lothian’s and the largest parish church in Scotland. Nearby is Traprain Law, the site of an old Iron Age Fort and Hailes Castle located on the banks of the River Tyne now managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

What to see and do....

Take a stroll along the riverbank and spot the wildlife.

Visit the impressive St Mary’s Church.

Find out all about East Lothian in the John Gray Centre museum and archive.

Relax in St Mary’s Pleasance, a beautiful private garden adjacent to Haddington House which dates from 1648.  

We hope that we have given you some inspiration to get out and about and that Charlotte’s brilliant images will encourage you to get snapping when you are!

Remember to share your images with us by using #eastlothian and look out for more from Charlotte over the coming months #YOYP!

North Berwick is a pretty and bustling seaside town located in the heart of East Lothian.  Visitors are attracted by the town’s beaches, golf courses and High Street packed with quality independent retailers, and great places to eat.  It’s the perfect place to enjoy a spot of sailing, or fish and chips by the sea.  There’s a varied mix of tourist accommodation available too, and there are plenty of things to see and do - from puffin spotting on the Firth of Forth to castle exploring on the fringes of town.

For nearly eight hundred years the town has thrived, evolving from a medieval trading and fishing port to a seaside holiday resort.  Yet, evidence of human habitation on this site dates much further back than the 13th century - humans have occupied this prime spot for at least 2,000 years.  

We regularly share the delights of North Berwick with you, so let’s find out a little more about the town’s intriguing past.

The North Berwick Witch Trials

Perhaps the most colourful and shameful chapter in North Berwick’s past occurred between 1590 and 1592.  It’s hard to imagine today, but the belief in witchcraft was once prevalent throughout Scotland. 

This North Berwick tale is no ordinary tale of witchcraft though, as this tale involves the king himself - King James VI of Scotland and I of England.  Instructed by the devil, the town’s witches are said to have danced by the ruins of old St Andrew’s Church in an attempt to conjure up a sea storm to kill the king and his new bride, who were returning to Scotland from Denmark.  There were accusations of grave robbing and the use of wax effigies to inflict harm.  What followed was Scotland’s first mass witch trial.  Geillis Duncan (Outlander fans will recognise that name) was the first to be accused and under duress she implicated others and so on, and so forth the number of accused continued to grow.  In the end more than seventy people were implicated in the trails, which sparked a wave of other trials across Scotland.  ‘Witches’ who were found guilty of high treason were executed, dying a barbaric and painful death which often involved burning.  

You’d never know, as you strolled through the town today that it could be hiding such a dark and terrible past.

North Berwick Law

As East Lothian is relatively flat, North Berwick’s distinctive hill or law can be seen for miles around.  The volcanic plug that is North Berwick Law rises to a modest 613ft above sea, yet it has a formidable and mighty appearance.  The summit offers 360 degree, panoramic views.  It was those uninterrupted views that first attracted humans to the law.  An Iron Age fort once stood on the summit, affording the occupants a perfect lookout post. 

The fort disappeared and was replaced by a nunnery, yet a pair of watchful eyes continued to scan the surrounding countryside on the lookout for invaders.  In 1544 those invaders came – the ‘Auld Enemy’ (English) were approaching North Berwick, and on the summit of North Berwick Law a warning beacon burned to raise the alarm.    

The medieval nunnery came and went too, but the law still had several hundred years of defensive value left.  Throughout the Napoleonic, First and Second World Wars it continued to be used as a lookout post.

Today, the lookout posts are no more than ruined shells and the threat of attack from land, sea and air has thankfully gone.  North Berwick Law is now a lovely, peaceful, haven rich in flora and fauna.  It’s an enjoyable short hike which rewards with a spectacular view, and if you’re really lucky you may get to meet the friendly Exmoor Ponies who now call the hill home.   

We hope you’ve enjoyed this spotlight on North Berwick – an East Lothian gem.

There’s a perception that Scottish food and drink is unhealthy - think fried foods and sugar-laden fizzy drinks.  Scotland may be responsible for the deep-fried Mars Bar but what’s missed is the fact that the country has one of the World’s healthiest and most bountiful natural larders.  There’s a plentiful supply of seafood caught fresh from the sea, meat from animals that live a free-range existence, and fruit and vegetables grown on rich, arable farmland.  Then there’s rain (lots of it) which we creatively turn into amber nectar, or whisky as it’s more commonly known!

Scotland is a foodie’s paradise, and a country that punches well above its weight when it comes to producing high quality food.  East Lothian has long held a reputation as a haven for foodie’s when it comes to eating out – we’ve already featured some fabulous places to eat in an earlier blog, so to balance things up we’re now going to look at a few of the gastronomic delights that are produced in the region. 

Food

With January diets now in full swing it’s probably not fair of us to entice you with chocolate, so apologies but we couldn’t keep the Chocolate Tree all to ourselves!   The Chocolate Tree has shops in Edinburgh and Haddington and a chocolate factory in East Linton.  That’s right a chocolate factory, just like Willy Wonka!  The Chocolate Tree lovingly craft small-batch, and award-winning, artisan chocolate using cocoa beans.  They’re one of only a handful of producers in the UK who make chocolate using the bean to bar method.  It’s a fascinating process which luckily you can find out more about as they offer chocolate tasting sessions at their East Linton factory.  For £20 you’ll receive a complimentary glass of bubbly, get to sample some lovely chocolate and find out how it’s made.  Now where do we sign up?

If you’re not ready to face chocolate again so soon after Christmas, how about some smoked salmon instead?  On the edge of the John Muir Country Park you’ll find the Belhaven Smokehouse.  The smokehouse takes great pride in producing, and selling wholesome foods which are produced locally.

The smokehouse opened in 1980 and originally sold fresh and smoked trout which they farmed in East Lothian.  Later, they diversified adding delicious smoked salmon, caught fresh from the waters around Shetland.  Today, you’ll find mouth-watering pates, smoked Lammermuir cheese and lots of other delights to tempt you, in their farm shop which opens seven days a week. 

At Archerfield Walled Garden they make, serve and sell quality foods, many of which are local.  Watch this space as they recently welcomed the arrival of some resident bees.  Look out for Archerfield honey coming to a breakfast table near you soon!

Drink

We may be biased, but we think that Scotland makes the World’s best gin!  By utilising the country’s unique botanicals Scotland’s gin makers are gaining a competitive edge over rival producers when it comes to creativity and taste.  Scottish gin is earning accolades Worldwide, and we’re delighted that our very own NB Gin is amongst the gins that aficionados are raving about.  Better still, as of 25th January NB Distillery will be offering tours.  The tours which are sure to be popular, promise learning, luxury and the opportunity to sample World-class products.

Thistly Cross Cider is another great East Lothian success story.  Founded in 2008 in a venture between a local farmer and an artist come cider maker, Thistly Cross Cider very quickly became synonymous with quality.  Producing a selection of creative flavours ranging from whisky cask, to ginger and strawberry it’s hardly a surprise that this small local producer quickly gained the attention and respect of cider lovers.  

Alcohol isn’t the only drink we excel at in East Lothian - we make a mean cup of coffee too.  At Steampunk Coffee Roasters in North Berwick not only will you find a hugely popular coffee shop, you’ll also find a roastery where they roast carefully selected coffee beans to create delicious and flavoursome coffee.  Steampunk embrace the ethos of Fairtrade by ensuring that the coffee beans they buy come from green coffee merchants.  So, if you pop in for a cuppa you’ll be safe in the knowledge that it’s been ethically produced.   

Apologies if this blog has made your mouth water and your taste buds tingle.  If it has, then hopefully it’s also shown you what a foodie’s paradise East Lothian is.  Don’t take our word for it though, pay us a visit and find out for yourself?    

With festive ads on TV, and shops all decked out like Santa’s grotto it’s hard to ignore the fact that Christmas is fast approaching.  These days, many people buy their Christmas gifts online, and with most of us leading hectic lives it’s easy to understand why.  It’s wonderful being able to shop effortlessly from the comfort of your armchair, but it’s also nice to support your local retailers, especially at Christmas time.

And while there’s no denying that online shopping is pretty much stress-free, the same could be said about Christmas shopping in East Lothian.  Unlike in the busy city centres, there are no thronging crowds of harassed shoppers to battle through in East Lothian’s towns and villages.  Also, if you ditch the mouse you have the benefit of knowing exactly what you’re buying.  You’ll find lots of lovely, little shops here, selling a range of items which we know your friends and family would be delighted to find under their tree on Christmas morning.

There’s also a great incentive to shop here, as East Lothian’s 2017 ‘Shop Local’ campaign has now kicked-off on a high street near you.  There are prizes to be won too – spend just £20 or more at any of these local retailers up until 24th December, and you’ll be eligible to win a share of £2,000 worth of shop local vouchers.  Now, that’s not an incentive you’ll find online. 

 

What can I buy in East Lothian?

Let’s take a peep at what you can buy here:

Gifts for Jewellery lovers

Always a popular gift at Christmas, jewellery has been finding its way into Christmas stockings for decades.  

At Westgate Galleries in North Berwick you’ll find beautiful jewellery, including pieces from well-known Orkney designer Sheila Fleet.  

Gifts for Foodies

We’ve let you in on this little secret before, but we’ll share it again just in case you’ve forgotten.  East Lothian is a foodie’s paradise.  And what better gift for that foodie in your life than something to get their taste buds tingling? 

At Archerfield Walled Garden the aim is to become a mecca for foodies.  We’d say they’re well on the way to achieving that aim, with their shop stocking a mouth-watering selection of food related gifts.  So, if you know someone who’d wax lyrical about locally produced honey, chutney, chocolate and jam, make sure you pay Archerfield a visit soon.  

Gifts for exercise addicts

After the annual Christmas eating binge, we’re all exercise addicts for a couple of weeks at least, but for some it’s a year-round passion.  Luckily there are gifts aplenty to be found for the joggers, footballers and all-round sport addicts in your lives.

With Gullane set to host the 2018 Scottish Open, a gift from the Gullane Pro Shop will put a smile on the face of your golf obsessed loved ones on Christmas morning.  They have a wide range of gifts on offer, and if the golf fanatic in your life hits more divots than eagles, maybe they’d appreciate some golf lessons from Santa this year? 

Don’t forget the doggies and moggies

Christmas is for everyone, and as pets are very much part of the family you’ll probably want to show them just how much you love them with a well-chosen gift.

Dunbar Pet Food is a family run business in Dunbar.  As well as tasty treats for beloved pets, they stock a good range of pet gifts.  

So, why not pop in and pick Fido up a nice new harness for walks on the beach, or how about some cat nip to make Felix go wild – that’ll give the whole family something to laugh at on Christmas day!  

There are so many other wonderful, local retailers we could have showcased here today but unfortunately, we can’t fit them all into this short blog.  You’ll also find shops selling beauty products and treatments, arts & crafts items, flowers, household knick-knacks, clothing and much, much more.

And while we’re not suggesting you buy all your Christmas shopping locally, we’d love if you considered buying at least some if it from the fabulous shops you’ll find in East Lothian.  You’ll be absolutely delighted by the range, and quality of the gifts that you’ll find here.