Touring from Galabank

Galabank is an excellent place base from which to discover the stately homes to the North, south, East and West.

Thirlestane Castle lies in Lauder 5 miles to the east of Stow.

Abbotsford house (the home of Sir Walter Scott), Bowhill, Mellerstane and Manderston and Floors Castle are all within driving distance (1/2hr -1hr ) in the Scottish Borders.

Towards Edinburgh, Rosslyn chapel and Arniston House and the Mining museum at Newtongrange are only ½ hr drive away.

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and hosts the Scottish Parliament. It is a very scenic city with its castle, where the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held each year, Holyrood Palace, which is the Royal residence in Edinburgh, Princes Street Gardens - the scene of the world's largest Hogmanay party every new year and many historic buildings and museums and of course its famous International festival in August. It is easily reached by car or bus (saves parking problems) - being only 25 miles north. There are park and ride services operating from Sherriffhall on the A7 and Straiton on the A72, which have free parking and speedy bus services into the centre of Edinburgh, saving the frustration of heavy traffic and finding a parking place.