Best Places to Walk in East and West Lothian

 

Interested in finding out more about the best walks in East and West Lothian? These areas are both fantastic spots for scenic hikes and walking trails, with a selection of routes to suit all abilities and interests.

Whether you’re strolling along the sandy beaches of Belhaven and Yellowcraig, hiking up Traprain Law or wandering through Almondell & Calderwood Country Park, there’s so much stunning scenery and fresh air to appreciate. 

You’re likely to need some rest and recuperation after a day of walking, so book a stay at one of the local campsites to get a good night’s sleep before exploring more of the area.

Here’s our guide to the six best places to walk in East and West Lothian.

EAST LOTHIAN WALKS

Traprain Law

There’s evidence to suggest that Traprain Law – a 720-foot hill in East Lothian – was first occupied as far back as 1000 BC (during the Bronze Age). 

The history doesn’t stop there though, as it’s also the site of ‘Traprain Law Treasure’ – the largest Roman silver hoard found anywhere outside the Roman Empire. It was unearthed in 1919 and the collection is now in the care of the National Museum of Scotland.

There’s a long-distance but gentle walking route in the area that’s just under 10 miles in length and should take around three hours to complete. It’s one of our favourite walks in East Lothian, starting and finishing in East Linton (which can be accessed by bus from Edinburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed) and following the river Tyne until you get to this ancient hill fort.

Traprain is a popular climbing destination, and even though you might not find silver when you get to the top, this lump of volcanic rock is still worth exploring – you should get outstanding views across the county and the coast. 

It’s a good idea to check out our main Scotland camping guide before planning your next trip.

North Berwick Law

This 613-foot conical hill is home to the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and ruins of military buildings that were once used as lookouts in World War II.

On average, it takes around one and a half hours to climb North Berwick Law and it’s worth every minute when you finally reach the summit and get to soak up the spectacular views across Fife, Edinburgh and the Lothian Coast. Get your binoculars at the ready and look for the distinctive Bass Rock – a small island that’s home to a large colony of gannets.

Before you leave the area, make sure you head to the Scottish Seabird Centre, a five-star conservation and education charity where you’ll be treated to some awesome close-ups of local wildlife.

Want to visit the nearby 14th-century Tantallon Castle while you’re so close? It’s around a 10-minute drive away from North Berwick – but if you have the energy, you can get there on foot. The walking route is approximately three miles in length and follows a fairly flat path along the coast from the town centre.

If you haven’t booked with us already, stay at a campsite in North Berwick so you’re not rushing around to squeeze everything in. 

 

Belhaven Beach

Belhaven beach is part of John Muir Country Park, a gorgeous stretch of parkland and shoreline that’s dedicated to the famous Scottish-born 19th-century naturalist and conservationist.

This natural cove has approximately a mile of golden sands to explore. The landscape is a mix of salt marshes, sand dunes and grasslands and it’s a brilliant spot for a long walk, or a picnic on a sunny day.

If you’re in the mood to keep walking, then head to the nearby town of Dunbar (where there are lots of excellent campsites to use as a base) and follow the three-mile clifftop walking route – it’ll take you past the harbour as well as some awe-inspiring castle ruins. 

Fans of literature might prefer to head over to Yellowcraig Beach where you can get a glimpse of Fidra lighthouse, the landmark that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island. It’s a 30-minute drive from Belhaven (or a three-mile walk from North Berwick) and is very popular with families.

In the mood for some more sea air? Then you must head to the best beaches in Lothian for a refreshing swim or a stroll along the sand.

 

WEST LOTHIAN WALKS

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

There are plenty of woodland and riverside walks to be had in this 220-acre country park. Plus, it’s free to visit, so there’s no excuse to miss out on a marvellous afternoon here. 

One of the most popular routes is the four-mile trail from the car park towards Calder Water and St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, which has a remarkable 18th-century bell tower. It should take around two hours to complete this walk, and you’ll ramble through lots of gorgeous scenery as well as past an abundance of wildlife such as roe deer, herons, otters and woodpeckers. 

The route can be extended by following the Calderwood walk – just go down the steps by the bridge at Calder Water and follow the signs. Another option is the six-mile circular walk from the park to Lin’s Mill aqueduct, an impressive 75-foot structure that dates back to 1822 and carries the Union Canal over the River Almond in five arches.

Still keen to explore more? Then browse our list of places to visit in Lothian before heading home.

 

Jupiter Artland

This award-winning contemporary sculpture park and art gallery is regarded as one of the finest privately-owned modern art collections in Britain. It’s just outside the city of Edinburgh and is generally open to the public between May and September.

Jupiter Artland has 100 acres of meadow and woodland to explore and it’ll take around two hours to saunter through a series of 35 sculptures designed by artists such as Anthony Gormley, Charles Jencks and Anish Kapoor. 

A particular highlight here is Pablo Bronstein’s Rose Walk, a 25-metre-long rose garden connected by two 10-metre-high pavilions (one Gothic and the other Chinoiserie style).

Spend a few nights at a campsite near Edinburgh to make the most of this fantastic city and its range of brilliant activities.

Perambulation of the marches, Linlithgow

Linlithgow is an ancient town between Edinburgh and Falkirk, and it’s one of Scotland’s most ancient Royal Burghs. It’s an excellent place to explore, so why not stay in a nearby campsite for a night or two?

Traditionally, the ‘perambulation’ to inspect the town’s boundaries was an annual event but of course you can follow this route at any time of year. It goes past seven out of the eight march stones (one original and seven replicas) that mark the old boundary, and at four miles long it should take around two hours to complete.

Along the route you’ll get to see some significant places of interest including Linlithgow Palace, the Union Canal and the 16th-century Ross Doocot – a circular beehive structure originally meant for housing pigeons.

 

Not had enough of the remains and ruins? Take a look at some of the best castles to visit in Lothian.