The Scottish Royalty certainly enjoyed their hunting, particularly if it included staying in splendid “hunting lodges”. Traquair House is a fine example of “roughing it in the country” whilst pursuing game. There is an admission charge (5 pounds), but like most of the attractions you can get a reduced fee if you are OAP. OAP simply stands for Old Age Pensioner and that covers anyone over 60 years of age. Traquair House has several floors of stuff to look at, a B&B on site, small café/tea room, craft work shops, children’s play area, picnic area, brew house, garden and a maze. A small map is given to you when you pay the entry fee.

1. Locate the entrance to the woodland walk on the right hand side of the courtyard near the entrance to the garden.
2. Walk through a gate and past Cupid’s garden.
3. There will be a green hedge on your left and you will pass by a thatched hut on your left. This hut has a metal cap on top of the thatching.
4. Soon you should see three stone pillars on your right just off of the path hidden amongst a tree.
5. A slight bend to your left then to your right and you will pass by an upright signpost on your right.
6. While crossing over a small culvert look for one of the larger trees on your side of the stone wall. This tree should be directly in front of you.
7. The letterbox is hidden behind the tree under some movable stones and it can be accessed from the right hand side of the tree. If you have difficulty locating the tree then walk to the end of the wall on your right and measure off 20 steps back along the wall. The tree should be on your right.

For this box, you will need:

• An inkpad
• A towel or kitchen paper for cleaning mucky stamp, box or hands.