North Berwick - Dirleton Loop
Overview
22.4 km
Description
This route is a great taster of what East Lothian can offer, with a mix of road and off-road trails, suitable for a mountain or gravel bike or hybrid.
Starting and finishing at North Berwick train station, meander through town before following the waymarked John Muir Way footpath towards Yellowcraig Beach. Leaving the coast, head for the village of Dirleton with its impressive castle and gardens. After some quiet back roads, re-join the John Muir Way footpath before arriving at North Berwick Law, which you can climb on foot for great views over the Forth.
Returning to North Berwick, be sure to stop at the harbour and visit the Scottish Seabird Centre or even take a boat trip out to Bass Rock.
Terrain
This route follows sections of the John Muir Way walking route and back roads. Surfaces are a mix of pavement, grassy track, gravel, sandy footpaths and tarmac roads. It is suited to mountain or gravel bikes or a hybrid with wide tyres and is relatively flat.
Getting There
BY RAIL: North Berwick train station provides a swift link with Edinburgh.
BY BUS: This area is served by the 26 and X5 bus routes between Edinburgh and North Berwick.
BY CAR: There is parking (pay and display) in the centre of North Berwick and for free in Dirleton.
Facilities
Once you’ve completed this cycle, there’s still plenty to do around North Berwick, including climbing North Berwick Law and taking a boat trip to Bass Rock. You’ll find a wide selection of eateries and shopping in the centre and down by the harbour. For cycle repairs and e-bike hire, check out Law Cycles and EZ Riders.
Points of interest
Yellowcraig Beach
Beach, dune and woodland site providing toilets, showers, barbeque area and children's play site.
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Scottish Seabird Centre
Discover the birds that make their home along East Lothian’s coastline, with boat trips out to visit the Bass Rock and the world's largest colony of Northern Gannets - voted BBC Countryfile Nature Reserve of the Year. There is also a great café making this an unmissable pit-stop on your journey!
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Dirleton Castle
Dating back to 1240, this castle has grand gardens, a dovecot and a grim pit prison to explore.
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Coastal Communities Museum
John Muir spent his childhood in the seaside town of Dunbar. Learn about the customs and livelihoods of the people who would have lived beside Muir in Dunbar and other East Lothian seaside villages.
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Bass Rock
Home to the world's largest colony of northern gannets, boat trips are available from the Scottish Seabird Centre.
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North Berwick Law
North Berwick Law is a small but steep hill formed from a volcanic plug. Although just 187m high, it provides superb views over East Lothian and the Forth.
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