The Eye Water , just north of Berwick on Tweed and the Scottish Border, carries fishing boats and leisure craft out to the North Sea, through the lovely township of Eyemouth. We almost came upon Eyemouth and it’s neighbour St Abbs by chance as we were in the Borders, saw the names on the map, add a lovely day and here we are to explore.
Fishing dominates everything, wandering around the town, over the bridge across Eye Water, you can see how important the industry is. We were able to get a super “fish & chips lunch”, and even purchased some “kippers for breakfast – mmm”.
Whilst Eyemouth is all about fishing, there is still time for some lovely architecture, this building, originally a bank with beautiful stone work, the right hand turret reminds one of Brittany.
Eyemouth Museum
This is a not to be missed Museum, run by volunteers it has a wonderful focus on the 1881 Eyemouth disaster. The disaster was a severe European windstorm that struck the south-eastern coast of Scotland, United Kingdom, specifically Berwickshire, on 14 October 1881. The fishing fleet had set out in clear weather with no idea of what was to come. One hundred and eighty-nine fishermen, most of whom were from the village of Eyemouth, were drowned. Many citizens of Eyemouth call the day Black Friday”
Walks from St Abbs
The whole Borders / Northumberland coastline is dramatically beautiful. We were lucky to visit in fine weather, and had two fantastic walks. The first is a coastal loop starting at the car park on the road in to St Abbs. This walk takes you to the north of St Abbs, then along the top of the cliffs with superb views – see below. The walk and then follows the coastline south with views down to the harbour that is the centre of St Abbs. Beautifully calm when we visited but in a winters storm, look out!!
As a lunch tip, brilliant crab and other local delicacies at a super outdoor cafe to the right of the car park down in St Abbs harbour.
Eyemouth Golf Course Walk
From Eyemouth we walked again in a loop, this time south along the coast via the Golf Course, with splendid views to the north and south. As a golfer the Par 3 , 6th Hole, caught my eye with a lovely flat green, a solid stone wall awaiting ones golf ball, to ricochet to who knows where, once it has crossed the “ravine” ( tee is in the foreground)!!
Cannot recommend this whole Borders / Northumberland area more highly for any visitor, be aware that when the wind blows from the North Sea, it does get chilly, so wrap up warm and ENJOY!!
Travels with My Wife 