The Scenic Trail to Edinburgh

Spectacular scenery on this charming alternative route 

Scenic Trail to Edinburgh

Scenic Route to Edinburgh

The A701 Scenic Trail to Edinburgh (51 miles) is a charming alternative route taking in some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery.  Get away from it all as you travel through the hills of southern Scotland.

The Devil's Beef Tub

On leaving the historic spa town of Moffat, the road will take you up into the Moffat hills, and on the right-hand side you will see the Devil's Beef Tub.  The fierce Border Reivers (cattle rustlers) took refuge in the Beef Tub, hiding their stolen booty in its depths.  A natural feature described by Walter Scott "as if four hills were laying their heads together, to shut out daylight from the dark hollow space between them".  It is a truly spectacular viewpoint and there are a number of places to stop the car and take in the view.

Through the Scottish Borders to The Capital

Continue on towards Edinburgh.  Cross over into the Scottish Borders through the beautiful Tweed Valley, past the Crook Inn, the oldest licensed coaching inn in Scotland.  Proceed through Broughton, home to the John Buchan Centre, on to the bustling town of Penicuik and thereafter the outskirts of Edinburgh.