Scotland nr Coldingham self-catering rental Fast Castle Cottage

Fast Castle Cottage
nr Coldingham

Sleeping 4

In the south-eastern corner of Scotland the coastline alternates between towering cliffs and sandy beaches. One of the most dramatic settings on this coast is between Cockburnspath (5m, shop, pub, (Pease Bay) the end of the Southern Upland Way) and Coldingham (8m, shop, pub), where you find the ruins of Fast Castle, balanced on a rocky outcrop and accessed by an amazingly steep track. Fast Castle Cottage sits at the top of the track leading down to the ruins, and is one of a row of typical farm cottages carefully and charmingly renovated by its owners.

The cottage stands in its own tidy, enclosed garden at the side of a peaceful single-track road which runs out at the owners' farm. Parking is at the side. There is little or no traffic, making it perfect for children to play freely, perhaps even with the friendly sheep who come wandering along by the fence. (The owners will be happy to supply free range eggs produced on the farm.)

The inside is snug and well appointed. The oil-fired central heating is supplemented by a wood-burning stove in the sitting room. There is an excellently equipped dining kitchen, a bathroom with shower and two bedrooms upstairs.

Visitors are free to enjoy the wonderful walks around the farm. There are many sites of special scientific interest such as archaeological sites, flora and fauna (keep a look-out for peregrines, seabirds nesting on the castle cliffs, geese and other migratory birds which usually visit the little loch along from the cottage). To cap it all the National Trust has a reserve on the spectacular cliffs at St Abbs, only 10 miles away and one of the most important sites in the country for seabirds.

Another of Fast Cottage's many attractions is the nearby beach which, from late October/early November becomes a nursery for grey seal pups. They completely cover the beach creating a memorable sight.

More active pursuits include coastal walks, cycling the Border Cycle Routes or surfing at Pease Bay and Coldingham, (there is an amusement park at Pease Bay). St Abbs has one of the best scuba diving centres in Europe. Golfers are within striking distance of some of the country's best golf courses. Although the ones at Eyemouth and Duns are perfectly acceptable why not drive up to Dunbar (14m, family park with go-karts and llamas) and challenge yourself on one of the many first class links courses there such as Luffness or even the famous Muirfield course.

Berwick on Tweed is famous in history as the town fought over down the centuries by England and Scotland and it makes an interesting day-trip. If the city calls you there are trains from Berwick to Edinburgh (or you can drive there in just over an hour from the cottage.) Inland, you have a wide choice of stately homes and castles to visit – Ayton Castle, Paxton House and, over the Border, Alnwick, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne.

Heating by oil-fired central heating (included) and wood-burning stove. Bed linen and towels are included. Two small or one large dog is welcome by arrangement, but must be kept under strict control at all times. Smoking is not permitted in the cottage.

Accommodation (sleeps 4):

Downstairs:

Sitting room with wood-burning stove, TV and DVD.
Dining kitchen with electric cooker, fridge-freezer, microwave and washer-drier.
Bathroom with bath/shower, WC and wash basin.