Audax rides

Hey audaxers - I had an entry + train tickets sorted for the West Highlands 1000 at the end of June, but one of my knee has become annoying since February so I think that's me out. As I can still comfortably ride 100/120 km per day I thought I'd use the train tickets anyway and turn this into a micro tour of some sort.

Train out arrives at Edinburgh on Thursday 05/31 shortly after 18:00, train back leaves on the following Sunday after 23:00.

I thought of two possibilities:

• get off the out-train at Darlington or Newcastle, ride up to Edinburgh (really liked this stretch during LEL) and take the train back
  
• take the train to Edinburgh and tour the area around. Maybe take a train back to Edinburgh on Sunday so that I can venture further out?
  
  

I'd go for the 2nd option as it's more uncharted waters for me, but I lack knowledge of the area. Does anybody have suggestions (things to see, bivy spots, nice routes, etc)

Maybe I should cross-post this to another thread?