I'm lucky enough to live in one of the most scenic countries in the world, but I'm guilty of not making the most of it, especially with enticing long weekends to European capitals only a cheap two-hour flight away. Sometimes it's more expensive to holiday in my home country, than book a discount break. But enough excuses. This year, I'm going to make more of an effort to visit Edinburgh's surrounding countryside.
With this in mind, last weekend we hopped on the new Borders Railway at Edinburgh Waverley Station and ventured to Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders, home of Sir Walter Scott's house, Abottsford.
The magnificent 19th-century Gothic mansion in question offers a real insight into the life of Scotland's most famed author. I was surprised to discover how revered he was in his time, so much so he is considered to be the world's first celebrity author. Despite being a literature student, I have to admit I've not read any of Scott's work, but now feel compelled to buy one of his seminal works like Rob Roy.
After absorbing Scott's legacy, we then followed the winding River Tweed to Melrose, another historical town of great importance. The heart of Robert the Bruce, an equally iconic Scotsman as Scott, is buried in the grounds of Melrose Abbey, itself a crumbling yet romantic edifice. The picturesque town is also the perfect place to grab a pint after an afternoon of sightseeing.
Only a short one-hour train journey away through rolling barley fields, I would highly recommend a trip south to the Borders - here are a few pics from our day trip.
