Preston Mill and Beyond

We were up early to catch a bus to the airport so we could pick up our rental car and head into the Scottish countryside.  We opted for a rental car to allow us the most flexibility with our schedule and getting around wasn't difficult at all.  We appreciated being able to travel at our own pace and not rely on bus or trains to get us around after we left Edinburgh. 

Our first stop was to be Preston Mill, which is a stop that Outlander fans will recognize as the place where Jamie Fraser loses his shirt while attempting to repair the water wheel near Lallybroch as some British soldiers approach.  We were a bit early though and saw signs for Hailes Castle and decided to see what was there.  It was several miles away and fairly easy to get to. 

Hailes Castle is a free site managed by Historic Scotland.  These charming castle ruins are located along the River Tyne and have a lot of signs to tell you about the site as well as a brief history.  We spent about 30 minutes here, which is all you need, and I felt it was a perfect place to start our travels around the countryside.  Since this isn't a major site we didn't see anyone else until we were walking back to the car so I think it would have been a lovely place for a picnic style lunch, especially on a lovely summer day.

Preston Mill is managed by the National Trust for Scotland and does charge an admission fee.  Since my husband purchased an annual membership for the National Trust we just presented our cards at the desk.  He ordered this ahead of time and had the membership cards mailed to our house in the USA.  After 3 weeks in Scotland, we more than covered the cost of the membership so it ended up being a great deal for us.  It also meant that we didn't need to carry a large amount of money to pay at every site or run our credit cards for admission.  While this isn't an ideal option for everyone, especially if you are limited in time or location, it was totally worth it for us.  

 

The mill was a working mill until the 1950's and they offer a tour if your interested in the learning all the details of how the mill worked.  It was interesting but the guide gave a bit more information than the average tourist wants to know so it was pretty long.  We spoke at length with the gentleman who was on staff that day about the Outlander crew using the location for filming.  He had so much fun behind the scenes stuff to share about how they transformed the mill and working with the crew that getting his point of view on the filming added so much to the experience for me.  Preston Mill is a must see for all Outlander fans and if you skip the tour of the mill it is a pretty quick stop.  I enjoyed every minute we spent here.

After we left the mill in the early afternoon we headed to Soutra Aisle which is the site of an old hospital built by the Augustinians around 1160.  There is a bit of history here and it's fascinating.  It used to be an important site along one of Scotland's busiest roads at the time.  The hospital remained in use for 300 years before a scandal forced the closure of the site.  Click the link above to learn more.  

Next we drove to Dryburgh Abbey  which is operated by Historic Scotland, so there is an admission fee.  This was such a beautiful place and I loved our time here.  While much of the abbey is in ruins the atmosphere was so calm and peaceful.  Sites like this are some of my favorites to visit.  Sir Walter Scott's tomb is located on the grounds here and you'll find it as you wander around.  

We had a bed and breakfast in Melrose booked for the night and as we made towards there we stopped quickly at Scott's View.  It's a pretty overlook of the valley and was one of Sir Walter Scott's favorite views.  I can easily see why.

Melrose Abbey is also operated by Historic Scotland (see how quickly admission fees can add up) and was our last stop for the day.  There is so much history in these ruins and it's always fun to explore.  It is believed that Robert the Bruce's heart is buried here.  The grounds are expertly maintained and the ruins are easy to navigate.  We were even able to climb up a tower and get a great view of the grounds and hills surrounding the town of Melrose.  Be sure to check out the unique carvings along the top.  

We stayed at The Barn at the Coach House bed and breakfast and it was absolutely wonderful.  The owners, Claire and Donald, have thought about everything to make their guests feel comfortable and at home.  I highly recommend a stay here if you are in the area.  The rooms are well appointed and very clean and breakfast the next day was delicious.  They've earned every single stellar review they have received.