Outdoor Activities

All the activities listed are close by or around an hours drive from Tower Farm.

Golf in East Lothian

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to golf courses in this area. The quality of golf in the area is world class with one of the highest concentration of links courses to be found anywhere. Discover true links golf in East Lothian at one of the following courses – Muirfield an Open Championship venue, Gullane No1 a Final Open Qualifying course, Gullane No2 regarded as the locals favourite of the 3 courses and the shortest the Gullane No3 course. North Berwick West Links Open Qualifier and one of the most respected and natural golf courses you’ll every experience, Kilspindie regarded by locals as a real cracker, Dunbar another Open Qualifier – a true in and out narrow strip of links golf, Luffness New the fourth Open Qualifier in the area and a real gem with some of the best greens you’ll come across and Craigielaw a new links course with challenging greens and fabulous clubhouse setting.

Also challenge yourself at the coastal and parkland courses – Royal Musselburgh historically this club is immense and really worth a visit. The Musselburgh was Regional Open Qualifier in 2006 and Longniddry is a perfect combination of links and parkland setting. Further down the coast in North Berwick is the Glen a great location with probably the most stunning views of any golf course in Europeand then turning back inland to Whitekirk which has 360 degree views of East Lothian – worth paying for the view alone and an old favourite situated just outside the picturesque village of Gifford - Gifford golf club, a nine hole course with picturesque views of the Lammermuir Hills and its close neighbour Castle Park with 2 very different 9 hole tracks to enjoy.

The discount golf scheme for East Lothian is called the Golf East Lothian Passport – to find out more call 01620 892 197.

Golf Courses in East Lothian
Dunbar: 01368 862 317
North Berwick West Links: 01620 892 135
Gullane No1, 2 and 3 courses: 01620 842 255
Glen, North Berwick: 01620 892 726
Whitekirk: 01620 870 300
Craigielaw: 01875 870 800
Kilspindie: 01875 870 358
Longniddry: 01875 852 141
Winterfield, Dunbar: 01368 863 562
Royal Musselburgh: 01875 810 139
Musselburgh Links: 0131 665 5438
Musselburgh Monktonhall: 0131 665 2005
Lufness New: 01620 843 336
Muirfield: 01620 842 123
Haddington: 01620 822 727
Gifford: 01620 810 267
Castle Park: 01620 810 733
Archerfield: 01620 897 050

Golf in The Borders

The Borders golf experience has gained unprecedented recognition for its great value and welcome. All of the courses in the area are part of the Freedom of the Fairways scheme offering the visitor a reduced rate for their golf. With only one coastal course (Eyemouth – it’s 6th voted the most extraordinary hole – play it and you’ll find out why) the area offers very much a parkland golf experience and the really pleasing aspect of this is the stunning views and peace you’ll get from your visit. And Duns golf course is only over the hills waiting to be played. One of our favourites is Peebles – the views on an autumn day are distracting and breathtaking. Another not to miss is The Roxburghe – the Duke of Roxburghe’s golf course just outside Kelso set in the beautiful grounds of the hotel and surrounding rolling countryside.

Freedom of the Fairways is the discount golf scheme for the Scottish Borders. Call 0870 608 0404 or visit the http://www.visitscottishborders.com/WhatToSee/Golf.

And our family recommendation is Goswick golf course. Found just south of Berwick upon Tweed across the Scottish Border in Northumberland. This is fantastic links golf experience. Contact the professional shop on 01289 387 380.

Walking

Scottish Borders and East Lothian
Both counties can boast picturesque scenery and offer up good walking countryside with a mixture of stunning coastlines, rolling hills and forests and beautiful, rich farmland. East Lothian now has an almost continuous route along the coast (Musselburgh to Dunglass) named after the world renowned conservationist John Muir (who was born in Dunbar) - The John Muir Way. And the Scottish Borders offer some fabulous walks of varying length, especially the Tweed Valley which is home to some special scenery. There are a range of walks to suit all abilities. Some are mentioned below, though for more detailed information visit http://walking.visitscotland.com/walks/southscotland/

Close by walks:
Pease Dean – Starts at the beach caravan park at Pease Bay (very close to Tower Farm). The Dean is a Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve because of its remaining broadleaf forest – ash, elm, oak and hazel.

Eyemouth - this follows the coast north to St Abbs (4 miles/ 7km). Starts at the Tourist Information centre in Eyemouth.

Abbey St Bathans – this walk starts in the small village of Abbey St Bathans and takes you on a circular route (about 6 miles/10km or 3 miles/5km) to Edin’s Hall Broch, the remains of an iron age broch tower.

Duns Law and Castle – Starts and ends at Duns town square (4 miles/7km). Duns Law sits at 218 metres and is the site of an ancient fort. The views from here are fantastic.

Dunbar Cliff To Trail – Start at the harbour in Dunbar (1.5km. This route takes you along the promenade that skirts the town leading to Winterfield golf course and then to Belhaven Bay and John Muir Country Park. Popular with locals too, you’ll enjoy great views of the coast and Bass Rock. Listen out for the seals.

John Muir Way - Dunbar to Dunglass – This route can start at either end (one way 16km – taking 210 minutes). It takes you along the coastline past Dunbar golf course, Whitesands beach, Barn Ness Lighthouse, Torness Power Station and Thortonloch beach to Dunglass.

East Linton to Hailes Castle – Starts in East Linton village and follows the River Tyne to Hailes Castle (2.8km).

North Berwick Law – You can start from the High Street or up at the car park next to the law (1.2km/ takes an hour or so). North Berwick Law is a volcanic lump that gives the walker the most magnificent views of the surrounding area – the Lothians, Firth of Forth, Fife and to the Scottish Borders.

The High Ground Pressmennan Wood, The Lammermuir Hills

Further away:
Pentland Hills – Hillend Trail – Starts at the Midlothian snowsports centre car park (outskirts of Edinburgh). Follow the skyline waymarker ‘Capital View Walk’ (6.4km/takes about 3 hours). Takes you through Swanston village on to Lothianburn golf course and back to the snowsports centre.

Coldstream Riverside Walk - Starts and ends on Coldstream High Street (4 miles/ 6.5 km). Follows the River Tweed to Lennel village and back.

The Hirsel – Starts and ends at The Hirsel Estate car park (3 miles/ 5km). The route takes you round the Estate and lake.

Bowmont Forest - Roxburghe Estates have set out 3 walks in the Bowmont Forest (2.5 miles/ 4 km). This walk starts from the car park and you follow the green arrows.

Kelso Teviot Trail – Starting by the Abbey, this route takes you past the famous Junction Pool (the most famous salmon beat in Scotland – comparable to The Old Course at St Andrews) with views of Floors castle and along the River Teviot to the Old Railway Viaduct at Roxburgh.

Longer routes:
Berwickshire Coast Walk – Start from Berwick upon Tweed this 15 miles/24km route crosses the England/Scotland border and takes you north along both farmland and cliffs, passing through Eyemouth, St Abbs and Coldingham.

Southern Upland Way - A coast to coast crossing of south Scotland from Portpatrick on the west coast to Cockburnspath on the east. A total of 212 miles/340km. Of which 82 miles/130km is in the Borders passing through or near to Abbey St Bathans, Longformacus, Lauder, Melrose, Galashiels, Traquair and St Mary’s Loch. www.southernuplandway.com

St Cuthberts Way – 62 miles/100 km route from the Borders to Northumberland coast. Starts in Melrose passing through the Eildon Hills and River Tweed to Lindisfarne. www.stcuthbertsway.net

Sir Walter Scott Way – (148 km in total). Route takes you from Moffat – Scabcleuch – Tibbie Shiels – Traquar – Galashiels – Selkirk – Melrose – Lauder – Longformacus – Abbey St Bathans to Cockburnspath. For excellent details visit www.sirwalterscottway.com

Maps – Ordnance Survey maps Landranger 75 (Berwick upon Tweed), 67 (Duns, Dunbar and Eyemouth), 66 (Edinburgh and East Lothian) – visit www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Cycling

There are a number of routes in the area that are shared by walkers and cyclist. It is easy to create your own routes with the help of a map taking in small towns and villages with places to eat. Much of the John Muir way in East Lothian can be cycled and there is the old railway track heading out from Edinburgh to Pencaitland to be enjoyed and routes to Longniddry on the coast.

The Borders promotes three routes – The Borderloop, Tweed Cycle Way and the Four Abbey Cycle Route – for more information visit www.visitscottishborders.com/WhatToSee/CyclingAndMtb

Also, the Scottish Borders is gaining a good reputation for mountain biking with the facility near Peebles at Glentress and the 7 Stanes project. To find out more about cycling visit http://cycling.visitscotland.com/

Watersport

Tower Farm is fortunately close to some fantastic beaches that are ideal for water sports activities. We can help you with names of activity providers if you are new to the sport and want lessons. There are some companies that supply equipment for those that want to hire and get on with things themselves. With all outdoor sports it is important to take care as the weather and sea conditions can change quickly. Always check the weather report and let us know if you’re planning to be on the water and when you expect to be back.

Here are some of the water sports that can be enjoyed:

Sea Kayaking – routes St Abbs to Eyemouth, North Berwick to the Bass Rock, Tantallon to North Berwick.

Surfing – Close by are: Pease Bay beach, Coldingham beach and at Belhaven beach at John Muir Country Park by Dunbar. Also, the beaches at Gullane, Tantallon and North Berwick.

St Vedas Surf School, Coldingham Bay – equipment and lessons available
Telephone - 01890 771 679.

Coast 2 Coast Adventure Sports, Dunbar – equipment and lessons
Telephone – 07971 990 361.

Wind surfing – Longniddry and Gullane are both popular coastlines.

Kite-surfing – the best place is Gullane beach. Belhaven and Longniddry and Yellowcraigs.

Surf Kayaking – Pease Bay.

Sailing

Whiteadder Sailing Centre (inland)
Telephone - 01361 890397
Port Edgar Marina and Sailing School
Telephone - 0131 331 3330

Diving

National Diving College Dunbar
Telephone - 07876 547 855
Website - nationaldivingcollege.com

Aquatrek, North Berwick - Licensed charter boat. 
Telephone - 01620 893 952

Marine Quest
Telephone - 018907 5244

Scoutscroft Dive Centre Coldingham
Telephone - 01890 771 669

Powerboating – Seaskills, North Berwick 01620 895135. Good launch points can be found at Dunbar, St Abbs and Eyemouth harbours as well as North Berwick.
Use the following sites for weather conditions:

www.magicseaweed.com
www.bbc.co.uk/weather
www.meto.gov.uk
www.accuweather.com
www.marinecall.co.uk

Fishing

The Scottish Borders are renowned for Salmon fishing and in particular the majestic River Tweed. And East Lothian has some flavoursome fishing of its own. Every type of fishing is on offer within an hour’s radius of Tower Farm.

Below are places that can supply you with tackle and kit.

Riverside Tackle, Musselburgh
Telephone - 0131 665 3371

Tweedside Tackle, Kelso
Telephone - 01573 225 306

Mikes Tackle Shop, Portobello, Near Edinburgh
Telephone - 0131 657 3258

Close by we have:

Coldingham Loch with fishing from boat or bank for rainbow and brown trout.
Telephone - 01890 771 270

Marine Quest Boat Charter, Eyemouth
Telephone - 01890 771 676
Website - www.marine-quest.co.uk

Dunbar harbour master
Telephone - 01368 865 404

Markle Fishery, East Linton
Telephone - 01620 861 213

Hire the Fisher Lassie for fishing trips from Dunbar harbour. Maximum of 12 people. Rods and bait supplied as extra. 
Telephone - 01368 864 441

For the best information on the latest catches, river levels and rod availability call FishScotland on 01573 470 612

Outdoor Activities

Here is a list of some of the other things you can do in the area during your visit.

Hot Air Ballooning
Alba Ballooning, Edinburgh
Telephone - 0131 667 4251
Website - www.albaballooning.co.uk

4x4 off road driving
Ronnie Dale, Whiteburn, Abbey St Bathans, Near Cockburnspath
Telephone - 01361 840 244
Website - www.ronniedale4x4.co.uk

Microlighting
East Coast Microlights, East Fortune Airfield, near North Berwick
Telephone - 01620 880 332
Website - www.eosm.co.uk

Clay pigeon shooting
Mavis Hall Park Ltd, Humbie, East Lothian
Telephone - 01875 833 733
Website - www.mavishallpark.co.uk

Archery
Scottish Archery Centre, Fenton Barns near North Berwick
Telephone - 01620 850 401

Outdoor Diary – Information on a huge amount of outdoor events and activities
Website - www.outdoor-diary.info.

Horse riding
There are a number of establishments in the area from trekking on Icelandic ponies by the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh 01968 661 095 www.phicelandics.co.uk to riding in Northumberland along the stunning beaches or in the Cheviot Hills at Kimmerston near Wooler 01668 216 283