Has anyone (without a car) done the train ride from Edinburgh to North Berwick and taken the boat over to Isle of May to see the puffins and to hike? Wondering how doable that was as a day trip. Also wondering how the boat ride was (besides wet). Seasick? And how was the hiking, walking there in June?
I know it mentions provide waterproofing.. uhm beyond a raincoat I guess I would need to think about that. Thanks
I haven't done the boat trip but I've done North Berwick by both train and bus. It is only 33 minutes by hourly train from Waverley.
But Lothian buses run 3 buses an hour from central Edinburgh on quite a scenic route which takes 75 to 90 minutes. Those buses stop in the Town Centre which is significantly closer to the harbour than the railway station.
Very do-able as a day trip.
Both the Scottish Seabird Centre and one (maybe two) companies run trips. Whichever company you sail with I strongly suggest visiting the Scottish Seabird Centre.
Well sadly, all sold out. this is a last minute trip as my friend has a disabled husband she has to care for and her college aged son offered last minute to give her a break for a week to take a trip.... so I am tagging along as her travel buddy. I am a bird painter and so wanted to go there. Last minute travel does have its heartbreaks.
Do you use eBird? It has a robust species map and you can find posted sightings for puffins there. They are elsewhere to Isle of May.
There is also the app SOC Where to Watch Birds. I haven't totally figured that out, but it is Scotland specific.
(I am a birder planning my first trip to Scotland for next year) but these help me find where to see species.)
