Driving from Culzean Castle to Bamburgh
Sep 20th, 2017, 11:02 AM
#1
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Driving from Culzean Castle to Bamburgh
We will have 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 days to drive from an overnight (not yet determined) near Culzean Castle to our rental in Bamburgh.
Would like to stay off the A69 and A1 which Google picks as the the fastest route.
Moniaive is mentioned in an article I read as a small village in a scenic area.
I think we will visit Melrose Castle and Sir Walter Scott's House on a day trip from Bamburgh, so that is not a priority.
Looking for goprgeous scenery, maybe a few small stops, a nice place to stay near Maybole and another along the way. (And yummy pubs or dinner spots!)
Would like to stay off the A69 and A1 which Google picks as the the fastest route.
Moniaive is mentioned in an article I read as a small village in a scenic area.
I think we will visit Melrose Castle and Sir Walter Scott's House on a day trip from Bamburgh, so that is not a priority.
Looking for goprgeous scenery, maybe a few small stops, a nice place to stay near Maybole and another along the way. (And yummy pubs or dinner spots!)
Sep 20th, 2017, 11:31 AM
#2
When will this trip take place?
I'd be inclined just to meander through the Borders, although you could swing a little north and transit the Lammermuir Hills or a little south and transit the Cheviot Hills (on the northern edge of Northumberland National Park.)
You could also head south from Ayrshire to Dumfries and Galloway before heading east, although with just a day and a half or two days that might feel a little rushed.
Give us an idea of your overall route so we won't suggest places you're planning to visit in the first place.
I'd be inclined just to meander through the Borders, although you could swing a little north and transit the Lammermuir Hills or a little south and transit the Cheviot Hills (on the northern edge of Northumberland National Park.)
You could also head south from Ayrshire to Dumfries and Galloway before heading east, although with just a day and a half or two days that might feel a little rushed.
Give us an idea of your overall route so we won't suggest places you're planning to visit in the first place.
Sep 20th, 2017, 11:33 AM
#3
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The obvious thing to do is Hadrian's Wall, then cross country via Bellingham and Rothbury for places like Cragside
You could instead go via the A72 along the Tweed Valley for places like Traquair & Walter Scott country.
Or you could just drive up to Edinburgh
You could instead go via the A72 along the Tweed Valley for places like Traquair & Walter Scott country.
Or you could just drive up to Edinburgh
Sep 20th, 2017, 11:45 AM
#4
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Our part of the country.
Drive south to Thornhill and stop in at Drumlanrig castle which is home to the Duke of Buccleugh ( one of the few aristocrats in Scotland left with any money). They are one of the largest landowners in Europe, the house is quite unusual in its architecture, absolutely stunning and they offer tours. They have a considerable and notable collection by the Dutch masters. The estate offers lots of opportunities for country sports, the fly fishing lessons are really good fun.
From Drumlanrig, head down to Dumfries and the coast.
On the way stop off at Loch Arthur farm shop which has world class contemporary architecture, high quality food local fresh food and dry food from around the world, also has a great cafe for lunch. It's a co operative which a very commendable mission of employing people with learning difficulties. We love the place.
From there drive down to Kippford and pick off stops on the beautiful and very quiet stretch of coast which is our home. We know every blamed of grass and probably where every deer, badger, hen harrier, marsh harrier, falcon and fox lives!
The RSPB site at Mersehead is a lovely place with coastal walks.
Heading towards England, Caerlaverock castle is one like no other.
From there you could stop off in Carlisle to visit the very informative Tullie House museum which holds many of the Roman items recovered from Hadrians Wall and the area.
Then stop off at the wall.
Lannercost Priory has a very good cafe for lunch.
Further along St Martins church, Brampton Church has stunning stained glass by Burne Jones in William Morris' studio. It's a jaw dropping example of pre raphaelite art and at the right time of day if the direct sun shines though it's awe inspiring. Very few know of it and it's frequently passed by.
From there just head to Bamburgh and spend as much time as possible.
It's one of my favourite beaches in the world along with the Exumas, Thailand and Mozambique. The light at Bamburgh is magical.
In terms of stopovers :
There's a lovely B&B in Rockcliffe our home village or one of the small hotels near Carlisle.
What would your budget be?
Drive south to Thornhill and stop in at Drumlanrig castle which is home to the Duke of Buccleugh ( one of the few aristocrats in Scotland left with any money). They are one of the largest landowners in Europe, the house is quite unusual in its architecture, absolutely stunning and they offer tours. They have a considerable and notable collection by the Dutch masters. The estate offers lots of opportunities for country sports, the fly fishing lessons are really good fun.
From Drumlanrig, head down to Dumfries and the coast.
On the way stop off at Loch Arthur farm shop which has world class contemporary architecture, high quality food local fresh food and dry food from around the world, also has a great cafe for lunch. It's a co operative which a very commendable mission of employing people with learning difficulties. We love the place.
From there drive down to Kippford and pick off stops on the beautiful and very quiet stretch of coast which is our home. We know every blamed of grass and probably where every deer, badger, hen harrier, marsh harrier, falcon and fox lives!
The RSPB site at Mersehead is a lovely place with coastal walks.
Heading towards England, Caerlaverock castle is one like no other.
From there you could stop off in Carlisle to visit the very informative Tullie House museum which holds many of the Roman items recovered from Hadrians Wall and the area.
Then stop off at the wall.
Lannercost Priory has a very good cafe for lunch.
Further along St Martins church, Brampton Church has stunning stained glass by Burne Jones in William Morris' studio. It's a jaw dropping example of pre raphaelite art and at the right time of day if the direct sun shines though it's awe inspiring. Very few know of it and it's frequently passed by.
From there just head to Bamburgh and spend as much time as possible.
It's one of my favourite beaches in the world along with the Exumas, Thailand and Mozambique. The light at Bamburgh is magical.
In terms of stopovers :
There's a lovely B&B in Rockcliffe our home village or one of the small hotels near Carlisle.
What would your budget be?
Sep 20th, 2017, 11:48 AM
#6
May I ask what you have against the A69? Because it is by far the most logical route. Otherwise you'll be zigzagging all across the Borders and right past Melrose (I assume you mean Melrose <u>Abbey</u
. BTW there is a LOT more to see in that area besides Abbotsford and Melrose - including Dryburgh, Traquair House (not to be missed IMO), Floors, Mellerstain, and many more.
If it was me -- I'd head south into Dumfries & Galloway for 1.5 days maybe visiting Threave, then a day across on the A69 along Hadrian's Wall, visiting Lanercost Priory and one or two Roman forts.
Moniavie would be OK but I'd maybe stay a likke farther south. From anywhere in D&G you'd want to take the A69. Otherwise you'd have to head SW (say to to Moniavie) and then way N on the A7 practically into Melrose then NE across to the coast through Kelso and south on the A1.
There are very few E-W roads across your route so it is really either the A69 or a heck a lot of to-ing and fro-ing S > N > NE > S.
. BTW there is a LOT more to see in that area besides Abbotsford and Melrose - including Dryburgh, Traquair House (not to be missed IMO), Floors, Mellerstain, and many more.If it was me -- I'd head south into Dumfries & Galloway for 1.5 days maybe visiting Threave, then a day across on the A69 along Hadrian's Wall, visiting Lanercost Priory and one or two Roman forts.
Moniavie would be OK but I'd maybe stay a likke farther south. From anywhere in D&G you'd want to take the A69. Otherwise you'd have to head SW (say to to Moniavie) and then way N on the A7 practically into Melrose then NE across to the coast through Kelso and south on the A1.
There are very few E-W roads across your route so it is really either the A69 or a heck a lot of to-ing and fro-ing S > N > NE > S.
Sep 20th, 2017, 11:54 AM
#9
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We've been to Edinburgh, so not really interested in that. Looking for a more southerly route.
We start our trip staying near Scone to go to the Scottish Game Fair the end of June, which we went to the last time and loved.
We'll pick the best weather day for the Fair, go to Scone Palace another day and ?? another day. Maybe Linlithgow palace, haven't been there.
Then we're headed to Islay for 3-4 nights, with an overnight stop near the Ferry departure so we can book a morning ferry to Islay and not worry about missing it
When we leave Islay we'll do an overnight somewhere (Helensburgh?) and leave the next morning for Culzean Castle near Maybole. When we leave the Castle I'm looking for someplace to stay overnight close by
Then comes the 1 1/2-2 1/2 days to meander (it depends how long we stay in Islay)
Jedburgh looks interesting with the Abbey and Mary Queen of Scotts House?
Traquair looks interesting, was thinking we might stop there when we leave Bamburgh and head back towards Edinburgh Airport for an overnight when we leave.
We start our trip staying near Scone to go to the Scottish Game Fair the end of June, which we went to the last time and loved.
We'll pick the best weather day for the Fair, go to Scone Palace another day and ?? another day. Maybe Linlithgow palace, haven't been there.
Then we're headed to Islay for 3-4 nights, with an overnight stop near the Ferry departure so we can book a morning ferry to Islay and not worry about missing it
When we leave Islay we'll do an overnight somewhere (Helensburgh?) and leave the next morning for Culzean Castle near Maybole. When we leave the Castle I'm looking for someplace to stay overnight close by
Then comes the 1 1/2-2 1/2 days to meander (it depends how long we stay in Islay)
Jedburgh looks interesting with the Abbey and Mary Queen of Scotts House?
Traquair looks interesting, was thinking we might stop there when we leave Bamburgh and head back towards Edinburgh Airport for an overnight when we leave.
Sep 20th, 2017, 12:02 PM
#10
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AWESOME!
Let me look at this after dinner, thanks so much
Janis ............A69 may be the most direct route but we love to-ing and fro-ing and zig zagging back roads when we have time
And we have been to Hadrians Wall
Let me look at this after dinner, thanks so much
Janis ............A69 may be the most direct route but we love to-ing and fro-ing and zig zagging back roads when we have time
And we have been to Hadrians Wall
Sep 20th, 2017, 12:14 PM
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From Islay it's really easy to avoid a long drive.
Take the ferry from Kintyre to Arran and then Arran to Ardrossan which is very close to Culzean.
Sorry Janis, forgot Floors : very impressive house.
Take the ferry from Kintyre to Arran and then Arran to Ardrossan which is very close to Culzean.
Sorry Janis, forgot Floors : very impressive house.
Sep 20th, 2017, 01:06 PM
#13
The main issue isn't being 'direct'. It is than the other routes have you going through Galashiels, Melrose, Kelso which you said you didn't want to do because you'll be there another day.
Perhaps instead -- consider going to D&G, and then stay a couple of nights in the Borders (near Melrose) since there are so many things to see/do there - then dip down to Bamburgh as a day trip before heading back to Edinburgh.
That would be more efficient but still let you zig zag/to fro . . .
Perhaps instead -- consider going to D&G, and then stay a couple of nights in the Borders (near Melrose) since there are so many things to see/do there - then dip down to Bamburgh as a day trip before heading back to Edinburgh.
That would be more efficient but still let you zig zag/to fro . . .
Sep 20th, 2017, 04:07 PM
#14
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Sorry all wasn't clear ~ we are in Bamburgh for 7 nights, so lots of options for day trips from there, including Melrose
Meikleiuor Arms 4 nights after arrival
drive towards Iaslay, 1 night near Ferry to Islay
early morning ferry to Islay then 3-4 nights on Islay
1 overnight after leaving Islay before driving to Culzean Castle
1 overnight near Culzean Castle after visiting it
1-2 nights on the way to Bamburgh
7 nights Bamburgh, using as a base
1-2 nights between Bamburgh and Edinburg Airport
Later, busy time of year for me, have to be up by 5:30, and just had Limoncello, what more can I say???
Meikleiuor Arms 4 nights after arrival
drive towards Iaslay, 1 night near Ferry to Islay
early morning ferry to Islay then 3-4 nights on Islay
1 overnight after leaving Islay before driving to Culzean Castle
1 overnight near Culzean Castle after visiting it
1-2 nights on the way to Bamburgh
7 nights Bamburgh, using as a base
1-2 nights between Bamburgh and Edinburg Airport
Later, busy time of year for me, have to be up by 5:30, and just had Limoncello, what more can I say???
Sep 20th, 2017, 08:17 PM
#15
>>1 overnight after leaving Islay before driving to Culzean Castle <<
You don't need an overnight between Islay and Culzean. Follow BritishCaicos route. That will net you an additional free night you can use in D&G.
You don't need an overnight between Islay and Culzean. Follow BritishCaicos route. That will net you an additional free night you can use in D&G.
Sep 21st, 2017, 02:13 AM
#16
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I don't see Kintyre on Isaly?
I see the ferry from Port Askaig, then a drive south to Campbelltown and a ferry across to Androssan
My thought was that if we leave Islay after breakfast and drive to Port Askaig, take a ferry, then drive south to Campbelltown, take a ferry, arrive Androssan, drive to Culzean, we chance getting there too late for a leisurely visit, and probably a tour.
How long do the ferries take?
Google isn't always right, but they have the above ferry route taking almost the same amount of time as driving?
I see the ferry from Port Askaig, then a drive south to Campbelltown and a ferry across to Androssan
My thought was that if we leave Islay after breakfast and drive to Port Askaig, take a ferry, then drive south to Campbelltown, take a ferry, arrive Androssan, drive to Culzean, we chance getting there too late for a leisurely visit, and probably a tour.
How long do the ferries take?
Google isn't always right, but they have the above ferry route taking almost the same amount of time as driving?
Sep 21st, 2017, 06:05 AM
#17
>>I don't see Kintyre on Isaly?<<
Because it isn't.
Kintyre is the Peninsula on the mainland across from Islay. You'd take ferries from Islay to Kennacraig, then from Claonaig to Arran, and then to Ardrossaan.
Door to door time including the ferries would be a little shorter, but the time driving would be a tiny fraction You'd have less than 50 miles behind the wheel - probably less than 40 depending on where you start on Islay.
So all in all a much easier journey. I haven't checked but I'm pretty sure CalMac offers a Hopscotch/Island Hopper ticket covering all three ferries.
Because it isn't.
Kintyre is the Peninsula on the mainland across from Islay. You'd take ferries from Islay to Kennacraig, then from Claonaig to Arran, and then to Ardrossaan.
Door to door time including the ferries would be a little shorter, but the time driving would be a tiny fraction You'd have less than 50 miles behind the wheel - probably less than 40 depending on where you start on Islay.
So all in all a much easier journey. I haven't checked but I'm pretty sure CalMac offers a Hopscotch/Island Hopper ticket covering all three ferries.
Sep 21st, 2017, 07:38 AM
#18
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I looked at some of the timetables, and it looks like we could spend some time sitting waiting for ferries, we would have to be very sure of timing and days. Not sure I want to risk missing a ferry, or waste time sitting waiting for ferries....
Hopscotch 16 would be what we would need?
Hopscotch 16 would be what we would need?
Sep 21st, 2017, 10:42 AM
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vickiebypass, we are staying in a holiday apartment for 7 nights. In addition to Bamburgh Castle and walking on the beach I thought it looked like a great base for a lot of day trips!
