Outing to Bowhill House and Galashiels - 19 May 2026

For the first of our three outings this year, thirty five pensioners chose the trip to the Borders. Heavy rain was forecast but, thankfully, it decided to hold off. 

We’re ‘scone gourmets’ and the Stair Arms gave us delicious ones in their lovely dining room. There were plenty top-ups of the tea and coffee too. 

A few minutes after 12.00 we were welcomed by our guides at Bowhill House near Selkirk. Brenda led the first group and Norman the second. The house is home to the Duke of Buccleuch and his family. Because renovation of the dining room is not complete he arranged for us to see some private rooms - a great privilege. 

The walls are full of paintings of his ancestors and there are huge tapestries too. Bowhill House is bursting with precious furniture and furnishings and still feels like a home. Many things have been brought from Dalkeith House, and the attics are unveiling more. All worth another visit. I’d take time for a walk in the grounds too. 

On to Galashiels for a walk round and a bit of shopping. It was too early to see the gardens at Bank Street in their summer burst of colour. A quick drive took us to the Kingsknowes Hotel in time for high tea which was its usual high standard. The service was excellent and the dining room buzzed with our cheerful chat and laughter. 

Dave drove us through some rain on the way home and Edinburgh was dry when we arrived. 

A great day. 

 

Walk 311 - Prestonpans to Musselburgh - May 2026

Eleven Strollers met in Prestonpans to follow the John Muir Trail to Musselburgh.

On what turned out to be a lovely day, contrary to the forecast, we met at the Robert Burns Memorial and set off passing some of the 55 murals that are painted on the walls. The murals have increased in number over the years to reflect famous people from, and the history of, Prestonpans.

Exiting the town, we followed the path by the coast passing Prestongrange where monks first started mining for coal in the 12th century. Many more industries like glass and brick work set up here as well and there was a harbour to transport the goods away. What’s left is now a museum.

Following the path, we failed to spot any seals on the rocks, which I had done when checking out the walk, however the bird song accompanied us on the way.

Reaching the edge of Musselburgh, we headed up past the pond at Levenhall links and along the mouth of the River Esk. Crossing the Electric Bridge we finally finished at Fisherrow Harbour.

 A lovely day for a walk and thanks to Drew for organising.