Bob Law's Blog: North Berwick to Gullane Walk – The Sunshine Coast

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Bob Law’s Blog: North Berwick to Gullane Walk – The Sunshine Coast

Walk and Photography

If you live in Glasgow or the west of Scotland it can be a bit of an effort to get over to the east coast beyond Edinburgh but that effort can be worth it.

You will find fabulous golden sand beaches, several iconic rocky islands, remarkably different landscapes and architecture, and a different quality of light and feel to the place that you just don’t get on the west coast.

North Berwick Beaches

It is a different country in a way with different cultural influences, facing as it does the Low Countries and other European ports whereas Glasgow’s outlook, historically, opens out towards North America and Ireland during the era of sailing ships, Scottish city and town construction, and pre- aircraft trading links.

I used to drive to North Berwick but you can also go by train or bus. Buchanan Bus Station has Edinburgh bound buses leaving every 20 mins or so then an Edinburgh Bus Station local route drops you off in North Berwick, the total travel time one way between 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and ease of connections. Toilets available in both bus stations.

Gullane

Miles of Golden Sand. East Coast Beach

Once you arrive you follow the coastline back towards Gullane along a line of beautiful sandy beaches with plenty of interesting views, both inland and out to sea.

Bass Rock

Bass Rock. North Berwick to Gullane Walk

The volcanic plugs of Berwick Law and Bass Rock dominate this small town as you leave it with the other offshore islands of Craigleith, Lamb, and Fidra a constant joy.

Ship and Oil Rig. Firth of Forth

Pick a nice sunny day to enjoy it fully. Most folk will be content with the walk to upmarket Gullane before getting a bus back but others can continue on to Aberlady village as at low tide the wide sands of Aberlady Bay are an added bonus if really fit and keen.

Best done between mid Spring to late Autumn to give you enough time and daylight hours to complete your trip without rushing. Take a good book for the bus or train ride and the travel time passes quickly enough. Allow 4 to 6 hours walking time depending on pace and end point. (Drem or Longniddry nearest train station return point).

The east coast gets half the rainfall and twice the brightness of the west, hence the title ‘ The Sunshine Coast’.

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