The city of Edinburgh may be the jewel in Scotland's crown, but just a short drive south is a glorious landscape that many people have yet to discover. This circular route hugs the coast from the captial to St Abb's Head, with opportunities for wildlife watching and coastal walks along the way. It then sweeps inland to the Borders, through tranquil countryside and dramatic scenery, to discover some of Scotland's most incredible sights, including romantic ruins and historic houses.

For more detailed information on this route, plus 24 more driving tours around Great Britain, check out Road Trips Great Britain.

DK Road Trips Great Britain

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Your journey begins in Scotland's capital. Edinburgh is a treasure trove of museums, galleries, bars and restauraunts that make it worth setting aside at least half a day to explore. The medieval streets of the Old Town and the Georgian squares of the New Town are a joy to wander, while Edinburgh Castle magnetises visitors up Castle Hill, where it broods atop an extinct volcano.

Leaving Edinburgh, you'll take the coastal road to North Berwick where the Scottish Seabird Centre allows visitors to view wildlife all year round. In summer there are puffins and garnets rearing their young; in winter, grey seals and their adorable pups. Excellent Italian food can be found at the acclaimed Osteria No 1 which serves a good value 3-course lunch. 

Skirting clockwise around the coast, St Abb's Head is the perfect stop for a scenic walk along windswept clifftops. The most interesting walk leads to the remote lighthouse, built in 1862 by the family of author Robert Louis Stevenson. For visitor information stop by St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve, where you'll also find a little café next door.

Now travelling inland, your next stop is a superb Edwardian country mansion. Manderston was designed to impress society so expect extravagance. Inside you'll find a lavish silver staircase and a collection of fine artworks and antiques. The gardens span some fifty six acres and feature a lake and woodland.

Continue onto Kelso, a handsome town on the River Tweed. Here, the main attractions include the ruins of 12th-century Kelso Abbey and the grand stately home of the Duke of Roxburghe, Floors Castle. There are also great places to eat, including Hunters Stables, where Prince Charles once dropped by for takeaway!

Further along the River Tweed sits Dryburgh Abbey, Scotland's most evocative monastic ruin. Founded in 1152, the abbey was destroyed by the English during border skirmishes in 1322, 1344 and 1385 but each time it rose again. Though it was finally destroyed by fire in 1544, it stands remarkably complete. Stop by at dusk and you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view.

Continue on to Abbotsford, the home of Georgian Scotland's greatest author, Sir Walter Scott. Few houses bear the stamp of their creator quite so intimately: Scott spared no expense converting what was known as Clarteyhole ("dirty hole" in Borders Scots) into this fabulous baronial home. The impressive interior includes an oak-panelled hall filled with suits of armour and a library crammed full of well-thumbed books.

From Abbotsford to Traqauir House, you'll travel through the dramatic scenery of the remote Borders, where there's not a settlement to be seen. Dating back to 1107, Traquair is the home of the Maxwell-Stuart family. Many monarchs have stayed here, including Mary Queen of Scots. The Bear Gates, which closed after Bonnie Prince Charlie's visit in 1745, will not reopen until a Stuart reascends the throne.

Rosslyn Chapel is your last stop, and a fittingly grand finale to your roadtrip. This exquisite and ornate 15th-century chapel is perhaps best known for the lavishly carved Apprentice Pillar, thought by some to conceal the Holy Grail, brought here by the Knights Templar – a theory popularized in the book and film The Da Vinci Code.

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