Grand Tour of the North Day 7

The last day in Edinburgh was spent at the coast, North Berwick. I was told it was lovely & worth going there .... It's a beautiful place.
1t was a 10 minute walk from the railway station to the beach & harbour.
The 2 beaches were separated by the harbour & the seabird centre. Also standing at the harbour side was the ruin of a kirk, St Andrews (church)
Out in the distance is Bass Rock,  home to colonies of Gannets  & many other species of seabirds.
Our visit to the sea couldn't do without the traditional fish & chips,  lovely Haddock & of course a pint of local brew. There's only one main shopping street (the High Street)  full of nice independent shops.
Having spent 3 hours there it was time to leave & head back to Edinburgh.
Having spent nearly 4 days in this great place I spent most of the time away from the city. But I didn't mind that having been to Edinburgh lots of times.
David & I parted company, he was returning to Nottingham & I was going to Stirling for 3 nights.
It was an hour on the train all up hill from the station.  First impressions, i like the architecture, but the city looks a bit shabby in parts around the centre.
Hopefully tomorrow I will visit the castle & the National Wallace monument.

Grand Tour of the North Day 6

Today my friend came up to visit me from Nottingham & over night at the YHA, his first time in a hostel.. So something new.
After spending a couple hours in the city it was time for my friend to book in at the hostel. After that I suggest we spend the evening in Leith away from the city centre of Edinburgh, more of a relaxing atmosphere.
We went to The Shore pub a lovely pub facing the harbour. This was my third visit & will miss coming down here when I leave tomorrow.
We decided to eat there too, both of us had Fish of the day dish & the fish was Trout with spaghetti & vegetables,  very nice indeed.
Couple of pints each of Bitter & Twisted went down equally well.
Afterwards we caught the bus back to the hostel,  only 10 minutes from the harbour.
Tomorrow we both leave the hostel, but  there will be plenty of time to continue exploring Edinburgh before going our separate ways,  David back home to Nottingham & I'm off to Stirling on my continuing Grand Tour of the North.

Grand Tour of the North Day 5

Rule Britannia......Britannia no longer rules the waves.... Decommissioned in 1997 Royal Yacht Britannia is permanently docked at Ocean Terminal Leith for everyone to enjoy.
Access to the Yacht is via the Ocean Terminal shopping centre & is well worth a visit.
The tour starts on the bridge & below decks in the heart of the Britannia the engine room on the way down you get to see the Royal bedrooms & in contrast the cramped crews quarters.  The formal dinning room is fabulous & the Queens day room is quite functional & there is a lounge with a baby grand piano.
The tour two hours & t was worth every  penny.
It was the closest to being a Royal.

Grand Tour of the North Day 4

Welcome to Edinburgh.....

I arrived at the city of culture just after 1pm & it was lovely to be back here again. It seemed busier than last time & difficult to navigate around the crowds, mostly  tourist I suspect ... Just like me.

I waited for the Tram to arrive & drop me off near the hostel . It was a short walk from the terminus at York Place.

I arrived there an hour early as I couldn't check in until 3pm. So had a cup of tea....as you do. ....

Just after 3pm I was in the room & made a beeline for the bed by the window, bottom bunk. 

After off loading my suitcase I caught the bus to Ocean Terminal at Leith as I wanted to book my ticket for the Royal Yacht Britannia.... But I'm not planning to sail off into the sunset... Just taking the tour. 

I did a bit of browsing in the shopping centre a had a quick stroll round before catching the bus back, stopping of at Sainsbury"s for groceries as I'm self catering while staying in Edinburgh. 

After my mega pasta it was time to blog before having a relaxing evening in the bar.... It's been a quiet day today... And still no rain 

Grand Tour of the North Day 3 (blog 2)Spittal Beach

Spittal Beach....Tweedmouth is a most spectacular beach it took my breath away as I didn't know what to expect. I hadn't planned to go there I was only going over the bridge to the westside get a different perspective of the town, but  I decided to explore a bit further reaching a small unassuming beach where groups of teenagers were enjoying themselves. 

I removed my sandals & decided to carry on walking, spotting the Pier & thinking of a photo opportunity not to be missed. Climbing a sandy mound I saw a beach stretching out into the distance & thought how beautiful Full of people having fun a child shouted out "Look out for the jellyfish & crabs " There was jellyfish right in front of me,  bright blue in  colour. I saw a few crabs waiting for the tide to rush in & sweep them out to sea. I walked along the contour of the shoreline, tide rushing in over my feet reaching a rocky outcrop which was acting as a breaker disappointingly I couldn't go any further. 

So I headed back towards the promenade having left my footprints in the sand it was time for a cup of tea before heading back to Berwick town leaving Spittal Beach behind me. 

I returned the way I had come & crossing the bridge back into town I spotted a seal in the Tweed....awesome to see & fitting end to my stay in Berwick upon tweed 

I will return......