Beyond The Fringe
The Edinburgh International Festival, Festival Fringe and various other arts festivals bring millions of people, and pounds, to our capital every August. The worlds largest festival of its kind turns the city into a riot of noise, colour and culture for the month. It is one of Scotland’s greatest showcases to the world and a day out at ‘The Fringe’ is an annual tradition for me, and thousands of Scots. And yet, for those living, working or even visiting the city in August it can get a wee bit much. Streets are packed, prices go up and there are only so many times you can take a flyer on the High Street. So in true Tweed Valley Blogger style, I am here to persuade you to take a step outside the Edinburgh bubble for a day or so in August, and make an escape to The Borders (and Lothians!).
Just an hour away from the city by train, you will find a world apart in terms of the pace and noise of Edinburgh in August. After a short break, you will return with batteries recharged, ready to take on more comedy shows, military tattoos, fireworks and mime artists. Let’s dive in…
Tweed Valley Blogger Tours
Of course I couldn’t do a blog like this without recommending my own private tours! Try the budget friendly ‘Best of The Borders’, meeting me of the Borders Railway in Galashiels for a taster of the regions lovely wee towns and countryside. Get to know the River Tweed with a walking tour along the route of the exciting, upcoming River Tweed Trail. Or for something more luxurious, why not get picked up at your accommodation for ‘Hidden East Lothian’. Click the links below to find out more…
The National Mining Museum
Credit: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
The National Mining Museum in Newtowngrange is a gem of a place in Midlothian, easily accessible from Newtongrange railway station, with trains every 30 minutes from Edinburgh and Tweedbank. The museum has its own dedicated path from the station. A working pit until the early 1980’s, you can be guided by former mine workers who bring the world of coal mining to life in vivid style. And to make it even more appealing this summer, kids can travel for £1 by train and then get in for free!
National Mining Museum Scotland | ScotRail
Peebles by bus
The X62 bus leaves Edinburgh every 30 minutes and has you in Peebles 1 hour and 14 minutes later! For those of us who have done this commute by bus over winter days and numerous years, it could be a long old haul, however for someone taking the journey for pleasure it’s a delight! Look out for the red sandstone Town Hall, old Square (and Belgian Consulate!) in Penicuik before the more urban Lothians fade away into the moorland that heralds The Borders. The first glimpse of the Moorfoot and Manor Hills gets you into the mood for a different pace and then the rolling farmland valley of the Eddleston Water leads you into Peebles. Once there, head for Go Tweed Valley Visitor Centre on the High Street for great ideas, or take some inspiration from these Peebles themed blogs. If you arrive in town on 23 August you can join me on a guided tour of Neidpath Castle. Remember, its Peebles for Pleasure!
Top Tip - get a ‘Borderless 24 Hour ticket’ for the bus, better value that a return ticket. The driver will sort you out.
Trimontium by Train and Trail
Trimontium Museum in Melrose is a 5 star attraction, enhanced even further this year by the Trimontium Experience, where VR takes you back in time to the heyday of the Romans in Scotland. It also benefits from a kids go free Scotrail deal this summer. Take the train to Tweedbank then it’s either a short bus journey to Melrose or, to make it a real adventure, follow the well marked Southern Upland Way National Trail for the 2.5km walk into Melrose. It’s a lovely route, with great views of the River Tweed and Eildon Hills. If the Romans could march then so can you…
Top Tip - Guided Walks of the fort take place on Thursdays. Find out more by clicking here.
Trimontium Trust and Museum | ScotRail
Get Chaotic! More public transport ideas…
Anyone wanting to explore Scotland via public transport really needs to meet Kay, AKA The Chaotic Scot. Travel Blogger Kay has probably forgotten more about travelling Scotland than most people will ever know, and has really carved a wonderful niche through her use of trains, buses and ferries to get to all corners of the country. On top of this, she’s a genuine, kind and lovely human being. Check out her brand new website (thechaoticscot.com) or for some Borders inspiration the link below will take you to a blog post from her adventures in The Borders.
Scottish Borders: Beautiful Towns & Villages to Explore - The Chaotic Scot
For more inspiration and Borders content, check out my Blog, Borders Explorer Guide and TVB Tours
Cover Image: Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam
An excellent night at Peebles Eastgate Theatre…