Scottish Borders - Places to go please.

Bevb · #1 (**permalink**) 19-01-2007, 10:15 PM

Its not until October this year but we are off to Scotland for an end of the year hols and would appreciate some advice on places to go for wildlife photography, we are staying near Bonchester Bridge on the borders near to Wauchope Forest and Kilder, we would love to go further up, (Perth/highlands) but having dogs we cant get a cottage accomodation, so we are having to go back to this particular cottage that allows dogs.

dbozkurt · #2 (**permalink**) 20-01-2007, 10:55 AM

I know its not Scotland but have you thought of the Holy Island, not too far from your cottage, for wading birds etc. on the sand at low tides. There are also boat trips to the seal colonies close by but not sure if you can take a dog.

For next time you may be interested in this site that welcomes dogs, I think its situated near lochness which would be a great base for exploring the highlands.

Wilderness Cottages Scotland - pets welcome doggie page for dog owners

Debbie

RobSutton · #3 (**permalink**) 20-01-2007, 11:10 AM

Just in case you're interested the latest volume in the Collins New Naturalist series is on Galloway and the Borders - written by Derek Ratcliffe just before he, sadly died, last year. Full of lots of information about the natural history of the Borders area.

Amazon.co.uk: Galloway and the Borders (Collins New Naturalist): Books: Derek Ratcliffe

£16-50 in paperback from Amazon at the moment

Bevb · #4 (**permalink**) 20-01-2007, 09:59 PM

Thanks Rob and Debbie for your help, i will certainly be looking into the Boat trip to the seal colonies, and Holy Island, and the book will be viewed.

Thanks for the link to the Wilderness Cottages but i have already looked there, most cottages only accomodate 1/2 dogs and my friend and i have 8 between us!!

thats why we have taken a cottage each at Wauchope Cottages, next holiday im going to have to leave hubby at home with the dogs and just have a photography holiday in the Highlands i think!

eeyore · #5 (**permalink**) 20-01-2007, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bevb

Thanks Rob and Debbie for your help, i will certainly be looking into the Boat trip to the seal colonies, and Holy Island, and the book will be viewed.

Thanks for the link to the Wilderness Cottages but i have already looked there, most cottages only accomodate 1/2 dogs and my friend and i have 8 between us!!

thats why we have taken a cottage each at Wauchope Cottages, next holiday im going to have to leave hubby at home with the dogs and just have a photography holiday in the Highlands i think!

theres a place I stayed in kincraig in the highlands two years ago where the owner isnt too bothered about dogs - He says max 2 on the website but whe I was talking to him he said he was open to negotiation so long as they are well behaved.

I'll see if I can find the details and put them up for you

Bevb · #6 (**permalink**) 20-01-2007, 10:19 PM

Thanks eeyore that would be great.

cannylad · #7 (**permalink**) 21-01-2007, 08:00 AM

Hi Bev, you must try to get to visit Holy Island when you holiday up here, you wont be disappointed. St Abbs Head, and Eyemouth, as well as Berwick are all nearby and worth a visit.
Kielder can be lovely if its a nice day at this time of year, i spend quite a few weekends up there in spring myself watching birds of prey there is a small nature reserve at the west end of the reservoir with a hide that overlooks an otter holt on a small island.

Hope you enjoy your holidays.

Bevb · #8 (**permalink**) 21-01-2007, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cannylad

Hi Bev, you must try to get to visit Holy Island when you holiday up here, you wont be disappointed. St Abbs Head, and Eyemouth, as well as Berwick are all nearby and worth a visit.
Kielder can be lovely if its a nice day at this time of year, i spend quite a few weekends up there in spring myself watching birds of prey there is a small nature reserve at the west end of the reservoir with a hide that overlooks an otter holt on a small island.

Hope you enjoy your holidays.

Thank you so much for this info Cannylad, we went to the reservoir when we were there last but didnt know about the hide, i have documented all of this and it now looks like we will have a good week. Once again thanks.

ron1863 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-03-2007, 12:06 AM

Check the following site and order the brochure, it's full of useful information on different areas of Scotland, wildlife parks, photography etc.

Wildlife Scotland - Wildlife Activities and Bird Watching Holidays in Scotland UK