Nether Linnfall guide
Sightseeing
We love living near Peebles. It has some great walks, shops and restaurants. It is also at the centre of mountain biking activity in the Tweed Valley.
52 Einheimische empfehlen
Peebles
We love living near Peebles. It has some great walks, shops and restaurants. It is also at the centre of mountain biking activity in the Tweed Valley.
This is an absolutely unique piece of engineering, which links the two canals running across the Scottish central belt. There is a visitor centre which shows how this huge infrastructure project was developed and from here you can take a trip on the wheel.
This landmark is about an hour's drive from the cottage.
115 Einheimische empfehlen
The Falkirk Wheel
Lime RoadThis is an absolutely unique piece of engineering, which links the two canals running across the Scottish central belt. There is a visitor centre which shows how this huge infrastructure project was developed and from here you can take a trip on the wheel.
This landmark is about an hour's drive from the cottage.
If you are interested in artists and their gardens, this is worth visiting. The garden and its sculpture (concrete poetry) was developed as part of Hamilton Finlay's life's work and there are wonderful views of the hills. Since his death, Little Sparta has been run by a trust. It is located in Dunsyre, a settlement about 40 minutes drive west of our house.
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Little Sparta - the garden of Ian Hamilton Finlay
If you are interested in artists and their gardens, this is worth visiting. The garden and its sculpture (concrete poetry) was developed as part of Hamilton Finlay's life's work and there are wonderful views of the hills. Since his death, Little Sparta has been run by a trust. It is located in Dunsyre, a settlement about 40 minutes drive west of our house.
Historical interest
Take the 1:50 000 Ordnance Survey map and cross the A703 from the end of the Waterheads Road and you are on the Portmore Estate. A walk around the loch gives you views to Edinburgh and beyond to Fife on a good day and the high point in this walk is the site of an Iron Age fort with seven defensive ditches still visible.
Portmore Loch
Take the 1:50 000 Ordnance Survey map and cross the A703 from the end of the Waterheads Road and you are on the Portmore Estate. A walk around the loch gives you views to Edinburgh and beyond to Fife on a good day and the high point in this walk is the site of an Iron Age fort with seven defensive ditches still visible.
In Eddleston is the Polish map of Scotland, located in the grounds of Barony Castle Hotel. Access is from the hotel car park or on foot from the village or a walk along the drove road.
Great Polish Map of Scotland
In Eddleston is the Polish map of Scotland, located in the grounds of Barony Castle Hotel. Access is from the hotel car park or on foot from the village or a walk along the drove road.
The cafe may be closed for now, but the grounds and wider policies of this trust are open and well worth a visit. Parking is available from the road to Carlops on the edge of Penicuik.
13 Einheimische empfehlen
Penicuik House
The cafe may be closed for now, but the grounds and wider policies of this trust are open and well worth a visit. Parking is available from the road to Carlops on the edge of Penicuik.
Walk off visits to restaurants and cafes in Peebles with a loop along the Tweed and back over the Neidpath viaduct, along the south bank of the river. The route isn't ideal for cycling as there are quite a few steps on both sides of the river.
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Neidpath Castle station
Walk off visits to restaurants and cafes in Peebles with a loop along the Tweed and back over the Neidpath viaduct, along the south bank of the river. The route isn't ideal for cycling as there are quite a few steps on both sides of the river.
This large house overlooking the Tweed is of architectural interest with well proportioned rooms. It has a very nice garden and there are interesting walks along the river, one via Tweedbank leading to the town of Melrose - well worth a visit in its own right.
54 Einheimische empfehlen
Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott
This large house overlooking the Tweed is of architectural interest with well proportioned rooms. It has a very nice garden and there are interesting walks along the river, one via Tweedbank leading to the town of Melrose - well worth a visit in its own right.
This castle is well worth visiting for its wonderful palace rooms and Great Hall. There are beautiful formal gardens which provide a view of the surrounding countryside next to the exhibition rooms. Make sure you see the tapestry room which provides an overview of the weaving of this magnificent replica work - Hunting of the unicorn.
321 Einheimische empfehlen
Stirling Castle
Castle WyndThis castle is well worth visiting for its wonderful palace rooms and Great Hall. There are beautiful formal gardens which provide a view of the surrounding countryside next to the exhibition rooms. Make sure you see the tapestry room which provides an overview of the weaving of this magnificent replica work - Hunting of the unicorn.
Scotland's oldest inhabited house is one of our main visitor attractions in this part of the Borders. Lots of events take place in the grounds throughout the year, so look at its website for up to date information. The maze planted in the mid-1990s is worth a visit.
50 Einheimische empfehlen
Traquair House
Scotland's oldest inhabited house is one of our main visitor attractions in this part of the Borders. Lots of events take place in the grounds throughout the year, so look at its website for up to date information. The maze planted in the mid-1990s is worth a visit.
For anyone interested in ancient history, the whole Kilmartin area is an excellent place to visit. This valley in Argyll has many standing stones, burial chambers/souterrains, hill forts and other interesting archaeogical features along with a fantastic museum to help you learn more about the area's history.
Kilmartin is about a three and a half hour drive from Eddleston, so would be a good stopping point for wider travels across Scotland.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Kilmartin Glen Viewpoint
For anyone interested in ancient history, the whole Kilmartin area is an excellent place to visit. This valley in Argyll has many standing stones, burial chambers/souterrains, hill forts and other interesting archaeogical features along with a fantastic museum to help you learn more about the area's history.
Kilmartin is about a three and a half hour drive from Eddleston, so would be a good stopping point for wider travels across Scotland.
Driving along a narrow road south of our place you will be alerted to Samyeling by prayer flags along the roadside and the golden dome shining through the trees. There is a sense of calm, with monks and retreat visitors walking around the grounds. There is a cafe and small shop here as well.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Samyeling Tibetan Buddhist Centre
Driving along a narrow road south of our place you will be alerted to Samyeling by prayer flags along the roadside and the golden dome shining through the trees. There is a sense of calm, with monks and retreat visitors walking around the grounds. There is a cafe and small shop here as well.
Melrose is a beautiful Borders town, with lots of interesting shops and places to eat. There are good walks along the Tweed and over the bridge towards Gattonside. Melrose Abbey is one of four Border abbeys (the others, also worth visiting are Dryburgh, near St Boswells, Jedburgh and Kelso).
53 Einheimische empfehlen
Melrose Abbey
Abbey StreetMelrose is a beautiful Borders town, with lots of interesting shops and places to eat. There are good walks along the Tweed and over the bridge towards Gattonside. Melrose Abbey is one of four Border abbeys (the others, also worth visiting are Dryburgh, near St Boswells, Jedburgh and Kelso).
Culross (pronounced Coo-ross) is a very picturesque village well worth visiting. In addition to the palace with its distinctive colour, painted ceilings and wonderful walled garden, all the surrounding lanes are worth exploring.
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Culross Palace - The National Trust for Scotland
Culross (pronounced Coo-ross) is a very picturesque village well worth visiting. In addition to the palace with its distinctive colour, painted ceilings and wonderful walled garden, all the surrounding lanes are worth exploring.
Food scene
Cringletie House was also designed by David Bryce. Very good restaurant and afternoon teas served here.
Cringletie House Hotel
Edinburgh RoadCringletie House was also designed by David Bryce. Very good restaurant and afternoon teas served here.
We are very lucky to have Ruth Hinks and her chocolate shop and school in Peebles. Spacious shop with good selection of cakes and drinks. You may want to consider booking a place on one of the Cocoa Black courses once you have tasted the chocolates!
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Cocoa Black Chocolate Boutique
1-2 Cuddy BridgeWe are very lucky to have Ruth Hinks and her chocolate shop and school in Peebles. Spacious shop with good selection of cakes and drinks. You may want to consider booking a place on one of the Cocoa Black courses once you have tasted the chocolates!
The Forsyth family butchery and bakery sit side by side in the centre of Peebles. People come from miles around (and from over the border) to buy from here. Great selection of meat (farms sourced from are listed on an ongoing basis) and baked goods.
WTS Forsyth & Sons Butchers
21-25 EastgateThe Forsyth family butchery and bakery sit side by side in the centre of Peebles. People come from miles around (and from over the border) to buy from here. Great selection of meat (farms sourced from are listed on an ongoing basis) and baked goods.
Villeneuve Wines
37 EastgateVery good selection of wines and other drinks (including non-alcoholic beers).
Good local restaurant - look out for their pies on sale outside the Eastgate Theatre on Saturday mornings.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Osso
1 Innerleithen RdGood local restaurant - look out for their pies on sale outside the Eastgate Theatre on Saturday mornings.
This is another good local restaurant, which also had a cafe on the street frontage.
18 Einheimische empfehlen
Coltman's Delicatessen, Kitchen & Bar
71-73 High St This is another good local restaurant, which also had a cafe on the street frontage.
Excellent Kurdish restaurant very close to the Castle. A back door takes you onto a terrace above Victoria Street, which itself is a tourist attraction.
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Hanam's
3 Johnston TerraceExcellent Kurdish restaurant very close to the Castle. A back door takes you onto a terrace above Victoria Street, which itself is a tourist attraction.
Wonderful Mediterranean food served here - from tapas to a range of daily specials. Try their fish soup, if it on the menu when you visit.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
La Casa Tapas & Mezze
103-105 Dalry RdWonderful Mediterranean food served here - from tapas to a range of daily specials. Try their fish soup, if it on the menu when you visit.
Right in the heart of the Old Town, with views across to the Castle and some great food served.
156 Einheimische empfehlen
The Outsider Restaurant
15-16 George IV BridgeRight in the heart of the Old Town, with views across to the Castle and some great food served.
Great place to visit before or after East Lothian beach walks. We have always had good food here - at all times of day, but this can get very busy.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Tyninghame Country Store
Main StreetGreat place to visit before or after East Lothian beach walks. We have always had good food here - at all times of day, but this can get very busy.
This our good local pub/restaurant which has a wide ranging menu. If you are feeling energetic you can walk to the Horseshoe via the old drove road on a traffic free route and then catch the bus back again to the end of our road.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
The Horseshoe Inn
1862 A703This our good local pub/restaurant which has a wide ranging menu. If you are feeling energetic you can walk to the Horseshoe via the old drove road on a traffic free route and then catch the bus back again to the end of our road.
Great staging post on your way to the East Lothian coast or on the way home for tea, coffee and cakes. Great bread made here on the premises and also available in their other shop/cafe in the centre of North Berwick.
Bostock Bakery
Great staging post on your way to the East Lothian coast or on the way home for tea, coffee and cakes. Great bread made here on the premises and also available in their other shop/cafe in the centre of North Berwick.
Nature and wildlife
Good walks based around two former railway lines forming an A shape. This woodland was created in 2007 on former Forestry Commission land and 8500 native trees have been planted by volunteers. The woodland has recently expanded with the acquisition of an adjacent forestry research site. Several ponds have been created, raised bogs restored, and the path network is growing. There are great views across to the Pentland and Moorfoot hills. Park in the north going lay-by just south of the Leadburn junction. Declaring an interest: I have been involved with the woodland as a volunteer pretty much from the start.
I have to declare an interest - I have been volunteering and on the committee here for the last 15 years, so have seen the space develop from a clear felled former Forestry Commission site to a woodland in the making.
Leadburn Community Woodland
Good walks based around two former railway lines forming an A shape. This woodland was created in 2007 on former Forestry Commission land and 8500 native trees have been planted by volunteers. The woodland has recently expanded with the acquisition of an adjacent forestry research site. Several ponds have been created, raised bogs restored, and the path network is growing. There are great views across to the Pentland and Moorfoot hills. Park in the north going lay-by just south of the Leadburn junction. Declaring an interest: I have been involved with the woodland as a volunteer pretty much from the start.
I have to declare an interest - I have been volunteering and on the committee here for the last 15 years, so have seen the space develop from a clear felled former Forestry Commission site to a woodland in the making.
This is a useful starting point for walks towards Peebles or further up the Tweed towards Lyne Station where there is a bridge and a walk through the Barns Estate.
Manor Bridge
This is a useful starting point for walks towards Peebles or further up the Tweed towards Lyne Station where there is a bridge and a walk through the Barns Estate.
A haven within Edinburgh and always something interesting and unusual to see within the gardens. There is a good art gallery within at Inverleith House and several cafes.
1227 Einheimische empfehlen
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceA haven within Edinburgh and always something interesting and unusual to see within the gardens. There is a good art gallery within at Inverleith House and several cafes.
An outpost of RBGE, this arboretum is in a beautiful setting very close to the Tweed. Look out for the blue Himalayan poppies (Meconopsis) in the spring. Plenty of parking next to its entrance building which includes a good cafe and bookshop. We have been visiting since entry was via an honesty box in a hedge and still find new things here.
32 Einheimische empfehlen
Dawyck Botanic Garden
An outpost of RBGE, this arboretum is in a beautiful setting very close to the Tweed. Look out for the blue Himalayan poppies (Meconopsis) in the spring. Plenty of parking next to its entrance building which includes a good cafe and bookshop. We have been visiting since entry was via an honesty box in a hedge and still find new things here.
One of our favourite beaches on the East Lothian coast, this is about an hour's drive from the cottage. There is a parking charge (currently £2.50 in coins or payment via the RingGo app). There is a great circular walk taking in the sandy beaches towards North Berwick and then down along the rocky beach stretches facing Dunbar and then back along the forest paths.
Once you have finished your walk, do visit Tyninghame village, which has a wonderful cafe, Tyninghame Country Store, set in a courtyard next to the old village pump (see under Food heading).
24 Einheimische empfehlen
Tyninghame Beach
One of our favourite beaches on the East Lothian coast, this is about an hour's drive from the cottage. There is a parking charge (currently £2.50 in coins or payment via the RingGo app). There is a great circular walk taking in the sandy beaches towards North Berwick and then down along the rocky beach stretches facing Dunbar and then back along the forest paths.
Once you have finished your walk, do visit Tyninghame village, which has a wonderful cafe, Tyninghame Country Store, set in a courtyard next to the old village pump (see under Food heading).
Another great East Lothian beach close to the beautiful village of Dirleton and its wonderful castle. From the sweeping beach and views across the Firth of Forth you can walk to North Berwick (see separate profile) via the edge of the links golf course.
36 Einheimische empfehlen
Yellowcraigs Beach
Another great East Lothian beach close to the beautiful village of Dirleton and its wonderful castle. From the sweeping beach and views across the Firth of Forth you can walk to North Berwick (see separate profile) via the edge of the links golf course.
This visitor centre is a great starting point or end to a walk along the neighbouring beaches. From the centre you can see what is happening via cameras on both Bass Rock and the Isle of May. There is a good cafe here which is open all year round - it opens at 1100 on New Year's day!
The town of North Berwick is worth walking through; it has a range of local and independent shops and some good cafes as well.
58 Einheimische empfehlen
Scottish Seabird Centre
Harbour TerraceThis visitor centre is a great starting point or end to a walk along the neighbouring beaches. From the centre you can see what is happening via cameras on both Bass Rock and the Isle of May. There is a good cafe here which is open all year round - it opens at 1100 on New Year's day!
The town of North Berwick is worth walking through; it has a range of local and independent shops and some good cafes as well.
If you like trees and riverside walks, this is a perfect place to visit. Just north of Dunkeld on the A9, this National Trust for Scotland owned land includes some majestic heritage trees including Douglas firs on the banks on the river Braan. There is an almost level access circular walk, but also the option to walk further along the river to Rumbling Bridge and beyond.
It should take about 75 minutes to drive from the cottage to the Hermitage, motorway traffic permitting.
69 Einheimische empfehlen
The Hermitage
Old Military RoadIf you like trees and riverside walks, this is a perfect place to visit. Just north of Dunkeld on the A9, this National Trust for Scotland owned land includes some majestic heritage trees including Douglas firs on the banks on the river Braan. There is an almost level access circular walk, but also the option to walk further along the river to Rumbling Bridge and beyond.
It should take about 75 minutes to drive from the cottage to the Hermitage, motorway traffic permitting.
An entire catchment has been restored by the Borders Forest Trust and groups of volunteers. The first trees, established from very locally gathered native seeds, were planted on New Year's Day 2000. Since then 700,000 trees have been established at Carrifran, two books and many academic papers have been written about the transformation of this area which sits between Moffat and St Mary's Loch. There is a good long walk into the valley and beyond into its sister project at Talla and Gameshope. Do have a look at its website for more information. The parking area is slightly tricky to find, but we will provide more details.
Carrifran Wildwood
A708An entire catchment has been restored by the Borders Forest Trust and groups of volunteers. The first trees, established from very locally gathered native seeds, were planted on New Year's Day 2000. Since then 700,000 trees have been established at Carrifran, two books and many academic papers have been written about the transformation of this area which sits between Moffat and St Mary's Loch. There is a good long walk into the valley and beyond into its sister project at Talla and Gameshope. Do have a look at its website for more information. The parking area is slightly tricky to find, but we will provide more details.
This range of hills runs south from the edge of Edinburgh and has a great variety of walks and views over the Firth and Forth and round across the Borders. There are several places to park which can be accessed from the A702, just beyond the Edinburgh city bypass. There are souterrains (burial chambers) within the hills.
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Pentland Hills
This range of hills runs south from the edge of Edinburgh and has a great variety of walks and views over the Firth and Forth and round across the Borders. There are several places to park which can be accessed from the A702, just beyond the Edinburgh city bypass. There are souterrains (burial chambers) within the hills.
The Eddleston Water Path, a new multi-use route, was officially opened in June 2023 and links the village of Eddleston to Peebles (five kilometres) and beyond. The path starts at the southern end of the village.
Eddleston Water, Peebles EH45, Vereinigtes Königreich
The Eddleston Water Path, a new multi-use route, was officially opened in June 2023 and links the village of Eddleston to Peebles (five kilometres) and beyond. The path starts at the southern end of the village.
City culture
A favourite place in Edinburgh. Do visit the roof terrace, if it is open, which gives you a panoramic view of the city. Both the National Museum and Museum of Scotland are of architectural interest.
1378 Einheimische empfehlen
National Museum of Scotland
A favourite place in Edinburgh. Do visit the roof terrace, if it is open, which gives you a panoramic view of the city. Both the National Museum and Museum of Scotland are of architectural interest.
Very nice gallery collection - upstairs is the permanent collection and the ground floor hosts temporary exhibitions. Cafe in the basement is worth a visit.
1010 Einheimische empfehlen
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdVery nice gallery collection - upstairs is the permanent collection and the ground floor hosts temporary exhibitions. Cafe in the basement is worth a visit.
This gallery is a must if you plan to visit Glasgow. It has recently reopened after a lengthy refurbishment and is set in the wonderful grounds of Pollok Park.
158 Einheimische empfehlen
The Burrell Collection
This gallery is a must if you plan to visit Glasgow. It has recently reopened after a lengthy refurbishment and is set in the wonderful grounds of Pollok Park.
Glasgow is a city of two parts - the business district and the west end. The Kelvingrove sits at the heart of the west end, holds a really interesting collection and is surrounded by great food places and walks in the park and along the Kelvin river.
841 Einheimische empfehlen
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Argyle StreetGlasgow is a city of two parts - the business district and the west end. The Kelvingrove sits at the heart of the west end, holds a really interesting collection and is surrounded by great food places and walks in the park and along the Kelvin river.
Favourite shops
One of our favourite places - brilliant bookshop, deli, cafe and homewares shop all based around a courtyard in a former auction house. It is always our stop of choice on journeys across the Scottish Borders.
13 Einheimische empfehlen
The Mainstreet Trading Company
23 Main StOne of our favourite places - brilliant bookshop, deli, cafe and homewares shop all based around a courtyard in a former auction house. It is always our stop of choice on journeys across the Scottish Borders.
Kilims, carpets, cushions and other textiles are sold here, collected during buying trips over the last forty years. Many of the items in the cottage come from this shop, including the knitted slippers. This is an Aladdin's cave in a part of Edinburgh overlooking Arthur's seat. Do visit!
The Nomads Tent
21 St Leonard's LnKilims, carpets, cushions and other textiles are sold here, collected during buying trips over the last forty years. Many of the items in the cottage come from this shop, including the knitted slippers. This is an Aladdin's cave in a part of Edinburgh overlooking Arthur's seat. Do visit!
This is a regular stop on journeys to the area and when travelling north on the A9. This favourite bookshop is on three floors of this former mill, with a good cafe on the ground floor and Homer, an excellent homewares shop in a neighbouring building. There is a short walk down from the buildings through the park to the Tay river.
39 Einheimische empfehlen
Aberfeldy Watermill Bookshop & Cafe
Mill StreetThis is a regular stop on journeys to the area and when travelling north on the A9. This favourite bookshop is on three floors of this former mill, with a good cafe on the ground floor and Homer, an excellent homewares shop in a neighbouring building. There is a short walk down from the buildings through the park to the Tay river.
If you are visiting Northumberland en route to the Borders or on a day trip, then Corbridge is a great stopover. The town is defined by lots of interesting independent shops, so you may want to have more than a brief stop. RE is situated directly behind a petrol station and next door to the Angel hotel and restaurant. It stocks a wide range of unusual and unexpected products and we go back here again and again, sometimes virtually.
RE
Main StreetIf you are visiting Northumberland en route to the Borders or on a day trip, then Corbridge is a great stopover. The town is defined by lots of interesting independent shops, so you may want to have more than a brief stop. RE is situated directly behind a petrol station and next door to the Angel hotel and restaurant. It stocks a wide range of unusual and unexpected products and we go back here again and again, sometimes virtually.
The herb garden is very hard to categorise - it grows and sells a huge range of herbs, has a great cafe extending beyond the old buildings and into a beautiful enormous greenhouse and also distils gin using its own herbs. Imagine enjoying really good food in the middle of a warm garden under glass, surrounded by climbing plants and the smell of herbs. The Secret Garden is almost half way between our place and the centre of Edinburgh; it makes a really good stop in either direction.
20 Einheimische empfehlen
Secret Herb Garden
32A 32A Old Pentland Road, LothianburnThe herb garden is very hard to categorise - it grows and sells a huge range of herbs, has a great cafe extending beyond the old buildings and into a beautiful enormous greenhouse and also distils gin using its own herbs. Imagine enjoying really good food in the middle of a warm garden under glass, surrounded by climbing plants and the smell of herbs. The Secret Garden is almost half way between our place and the centre of Edinburgh; it makes a really good stop in either direction.
Located next to Whitmuir, this is a gardener's nursery (ie it doesn't sell anything other than a wide range of plants). It is located at pretty much the same height above sea level as our place so we know that anything we buy here can thrive in our place.
Quercus Garden Plants
Located next to Whitmuir, this is a gardener's nursery (ie it doesn't sell anything other than a wide range of plants). It is located at pretty much the same height above sea level as our place so we know that anything we buy here can thrive in our place.