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Duns
Duns, the county town of Berwickshire lies 15 miles north of the border between Scotland and England. The surrounding countryside is beautiful and varied, from rich farmland to the heather covered and rolling Lammermuir Hills, and the stunning coastal sands and high cliffs of St Abbs just 15 miles away. Most of the turbulent Borders history happened within an an hour of Duns, including the start of the Civil War, when the Covenanters rebelled against the King in 1639 just outside the Duns town boundary. Many of the famous Abbeys, Castles and Stately homes are all within easy reach. One of these is Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott. In the 13th century Duns was the birthplace of famous Franciscan philosopher John Duns Scotus, and in the 20th was home to Jim Clark, world champion racing driver. The Jim Clark rally takes place annually in July, drawing thousands of devotees to watch or partake in the only rally in the UK that involves closing public roads.
The famous salmon river, the Tweed, is 20 minutes from Duns reaching the sea at Berwick-upon-Tweed, where the mainline railway station now occupies the site of the old castle and the town's well-preserved mediaeval walls.
Nearby local towns in or near the Tweed valley, and just a few of their attractions:
- Melrose - Abbey and the Eildon Hills; Scots View, Abbotsford
- Galashiels - Museum & Gallery, Mill Shop, Multi-screen Cinema, and Golf Course.
- Peebles, Woollen mills, famous Gardens, beautiful woodland walks
- Selkirk - Sir Walter Scotts Courtroom, Selkirk Glass, Mill Shops, Golf Course.
- Hawick - Museum, Drumlandraig, Mill Shops, Tweeddale Leisure Centre
- Jedburgh - Abbey, Riverside Walks.
- Kelso - Abbey, Cinema, Floors Castle, Mellerstain
Sport & Recreation
Golf Courses: Duns (7 miles), Dunbar (15). Eyemouth (16 miles), Gifford (20 miles), Gullane (25 miles), Hirsel (18 miles.), Bamburgh (35 miles)
£7-£25 per person per round depending on course.
Tennis/Squash/Swimming: All available in Duns. £3.50 per person.
Hill-Walking: The Southern Upland Way runs right opposite Green Hope, and wonderful walks (short or long) begin at the front door.
Fishing: Local permits can be obtained for Trout or Salmon Fishing on the Whiteadder. The Tweed is only 30 minutes away.
Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting: Detailed information on request
Edinburgh
An hour from Green Hope, Edinburgh is of course an essential visit. Apart from the renowned Castle, Princes Street, The Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace, its Theatres, Museums, Art Galleries, Zoo and Botanical Gardens are all world-class. The International Edinburgh Festival takes place over 3 to 4 weeks in August / September, and the New Year (Hogmannay) Festival now ranks as one of the great annual celebrations in the UK.
The airport is just over an hour from Green Hope.