With a strong, chilly wind blowing today, we struggled for the motivation to go outside. But eventually we did, heading south into the Borders.

We had hoped to have a look at Drochil Castle, a massive ruined 16th century castle which stands in the grounds of Drochil Castle Farmhouse bed and breakfast.

Unfortunately however, the owners weren’t there, so we took a photo from a distance and continued on to a place we’ve been meaning to visit for a while now.

Whitmuir The Organic Place is a fantastic development built on a working farm, with a café, restaurant, art gallery and well-stocked shop full of organic products.

After buying a few bits and pieces from the shop (including bread and stollen from the Breadshare Bakery), we resisted the temptation to go straight to the café, and instead followed one of the waymarked trails up behind the farm. It was pretty cold and getting colder, and there was ice forming on a pond up the hill.

Just climbing a small amount gives great views back over Whitmuir Farm to the Pentland Hills beyond.

Although it was not long after 3pm, the sun was starting to set as it does on these short winter days.

But that did mean a golden glow cast over the view to the east.

At the top of the field we discovered an escapee, who apparently discovered yesterday that she could knock down the fence of her field, and repeated it again today in search of tastier food.

With the chill increasing and the light decreasing, we made our way back down to the complex, and had another browse of the shop before going for organic coffee with freshly-baked organic cakes.

This really is a great place with delicious food and interesting produce in the shop, and I’m sure we’ll be back here again.