As now I am taking English lessons at CES language school in Edinburgh I am spending my free time by exploring small towns in 1-2 hours distance from the city.
North Berwick is one of those towns where you can drop in and spend one pleasant day just wandering around. You can get to North Berwick in 30 minutes by bus X5 or No. 124 with 8 EUR return ticket or by train for a bit higher price.
You can get a train ticket from Edinburgh to North Berwick at www.GoEuro.com
Scotland has always been an attraction for tourists and not without a reason, as, indeed, this fabulous country carries you straight away into the romantic medieval atmosphere. Its mild climate, clear air and incredible nature, fields and farms in combination with the amazing sea side – this is exactly the type of a scenery you will see in North Berwick, a quiet and cozy town in the east of Scotland.
Despite its tiny dimensions, you can spend here at least one day. As I arrived late in the afternoon the Tourists’ Center was already closed (it shuts down at 5 p.m.), so, I was looking for something interesting using the existing direction boards. I discovered very delicious ice-cream and fish & chips outlets with long queues; so, I decided to try as well.
I love to explore new towns, so, in North Berwick I also decided to seek for some picturesque views. The land here is not just a mountain of the volcanic nature, but it is an active volcano! The walk at the bottom of North Berwick Law will take you just a couple of hours, but it will be a great delight as the views of Scottish nature here are really magnificent.
On your way there you will see the benches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery.
On the top of the mountain there are remains of the hill fortress that dates from the Iron century and there also fortifications of the later period of Napoleon wars and the World War II.
Then, I went down to the seaside for a walk. The beach is only 20 minutes by foot from North Berwick.
It was already August, but, still, there were some brave, mostly kids, having a swim. I wrapped myself in my palatine as it was very windy despite very sunny weather.
To the both sides of North Berwick there are fields for golf and the North-Berwick Harbor is right in between. It is an extremely beautiful location and I really recommend watching the sunset here. There are plenty of benches – grab a couple of sandwiches, coffee or tea, have a sit and enjoy this wonderful view and total serenity.
Don’t forget to visit Tantallon and Dirleton castles. There is also an island with the lighthouse called Bass Harbour Head Lighthouse - a small volcanic cliff popping out of water a mile away from the beach.
There are few inhabited volcanic islands around North Berwick, like Craigleith and Fidra. There are plenty of amazing museums, nearly a dozen of golf fields and the multitude of castles, fortresses and other architectural monuments, as well.
You can have a boat trip to Tantallon Castle or make some other sea trips from the Scottish Seabird Center which is right beside the pier.
If there is a place, that deserves a professional photo shoot, it is North Berwick, it is bright and colorful and very compact, as well. It would be great to memorize your visit to this very homely town in the southern side of the Firth of Forth bay.
If you choose to go to North Berwick by bus or by car you can easily make stops in the towns, located along the sea coast. The bus ticket from Edinburgh to North Berwick is active during the whole day and that gives you an opportunity to step out at Portobello Beach and drop in the town of Musselburgh to walk around.
