Overview
Description
Beyond Prestonpans with its battle site and rich industrial heritage the route runs past the site where Cockenzie Power Station used to stand.
It then heads off east to Seton Sands and lovely long beach views. Circumnavigating Kilspindie and Craigielaw golf courses, you'll arrive at the picturesque village of Aberlady. The bay is famed for its skeins of roosting Pink-footed Geese in winter, along with mixed flocks of plovers and waders. Be sure to stop at Dirleton Castle with its tranquil wooded grounds before heading north to Yellowcraig Beach and North Berwick’s well-serviced seaside town.
Terrain
As this section follows the coast most of the way, it is relatively level throughout. Surface varies from tarmac seafront promenade, firm stone path and a short section of grassy farm track north of Dirleton, to undulating sandy paths through the dunes from Port Seton to Gosford, and between Yellowcraig and North Berwick. There are a couple of stretches of alternative cycle route, which provide a tarmac option to avoid the roughest paths. Cyclists using the alternative route should be aware that there is a section between Longniddry and Aberlady that follows the A198, which can be busy at times.
Accessibility
Although relatively level and mainly accessible, anyone thinking of using this section with a wheelchair, buggy or on a horse or bike should be aware of occasional challenges such as a short flight of steps, some rough sections of path and relatively narrow bridges on the path through the dunes between Seton Sands and Gosford.
For detailed information about potential access restrictions along this section, see the Accessibility Storymap.
Getting There
By rail: there is an hourly service between Edinburgh Waverley, Prestonpans and North Berwick.
By bus: this section of the route is served by the X5 bus route between Edinburgh and North Berwick.
By car: there is a free car park at Prestonpans train station. There is parking (pay and display) in the centre of North Berwick and for free at the foot of North Berwick Law.
Points of interest
Yellowcraig Beach
Beach, dune and woodland site providing toilets, showers, barbeque area and children's play site.
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Seton Collegiate Church
A beautiful ecclesiastical building attractively set among trees, Seton Collegiate Church has a 15th-century apse and chancel.
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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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Saltcoats Castle
A ruined courtyard castle from the 1500s (image courtesy of Stravaiging).
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John Gray Centre
East Lothian’s archaeology, museum, archive & local history - all under one roof.
Gosford House
The seat of the Earls of Wemyss and March is set in 5,000 acres of combined coast & parkland. Check the website for tour and event dates.
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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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1722 Waggonway Museum
Museum dedicated to Scotland's first railway, the 1722 Tranent - Cockenzie Waggonway. Open at weekends only, 12-4pm.
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Cockenzie House and Gardens
One of the few remaining unique late 17th century manager’s houses in Scotland. Call in for a well-deserved tea and cake and explore the gardens on your way.
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Route sections
Click on one of the sections below to view more details and plan your trip.