We’ve been blogging here at Visit East Lothian for 7 months now and in that time, we’ve encouraged you to climb hills, go horse-riding, fly in a microlight, try your hand at wakeboarding and surfing, take to the high seas in a little boat and explore castles - pretty exhausting stuff!

Every once-in-a-while, it’s good to slow the pace down a little and take some time out to relax, unwind and de-stress. After an action packed few months let’s focus on some slightly more mellow and relaxing East Lothian activities.

Visit the Spa

A spa visit is the perfect way to escape from the pressures of modern life. East Lothian has several excellent spas, offering a wide range of indulgent and soothing treatments.

Fletcher's Cottage Spa at Archerfield House has been featured by Tatler and the Sunday Times, and has gained a well-deserved reputation for being one of the UK’s finest spas. Whether you choose to sip champagne in the relaxation room, pamper yourself with an aroma sauna or calm tired feet with a rosebud foot soak, you’ll definitely leave feeling all floaty and carefree.

The spa at Bayswell Park Hotel in Dunbar offers a range of treatments, including massage, body wraps and facials. Afterwards, you can have a spa day lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. What could be better than a lovely pamper session followed by some delicious food?

The popular MacDonald Marine Hotel in North Berwick has on-site spa and leisure facilities. For £79 you can enjoy their ‘Indulgent Spa Day’ package which includes a 55 minute treatment, full use of the spa facilities, a fluffy robe and slippers to lounge in, plus prosecco and a cream tea. Don’t blame us if you never want to leave.

Get creative

The therapeutic benefits of art have long been known. Unleashing your inner creativity is a wonderful way to calm the brain. The good news is you don’t need to be the next Picasso or Monet to enjoy, or take part in an art class or workshop. What’s important is the satisfaction you’ll get from immersing yourself in a painting, piece of pottery or glass work.

When it comes to arts and crafts East Lothian is an artistic haven, so there are lots of different options out there for you to try.

The Poldrate Arts & Crafts Centre in Haddington offers a range of day and evening classes for budding creatives. You can try pottery, weaving, painting and more. Enrolment for autumn 2017 courses will open on 31 July, so check out their website and see if there’s anything that takes your fancy.

At Tantallon Studios you can combine a relaxing self-catering break with art. Set in stunning East Lothian countryside near the iconic Tantallon Castle, the working studio is an idyllic place to seek out calm. Prices start at £40 for a half day tile painting workshop. They also offer drawing and painting tuition. With so much inspiration to draw from the gorgeous scenery right on the doorstep you won’t struggle to find a subject to paint.

The Seashore Gallery in Cockenzie is a lovely little gallery by the sea, run by talented Artist Fiona Crombie. Fiona specialises in glass work and runs workshops where she teaches students how to make lovely stained glass creations of their own. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions, showcasing the talent of other local artists.

Unwind by the sea

Relaxation doesn’t have to come with a price tag. East Lothian is spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches, and it doesn’t get more relaxing than strolling barefoot on the sand, listening to the sound of the waves lapping on the shore.

The long sandy beaches at Tyninghame and Ravenshaugh are often quiet, even in the height of summer, making them the idea place to escape for some calm.

So, the next time you find you have some ‘me time’ to spare, why not come and relax in lovely East Lothian?

With the school holidays in full swing, you may find you're struggling to think of things to do to keep your little darlings occupied.

Well fear not, as East Lothian has lots to keep them, and you entertained this summer.  In this blog, we’re going to look at some of the region’s wonderful castles to explore managed by Historic Environment Scotland.  

There’s no better time to explore East Lothian’s rich history either, as 2017 is Scotland’s year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

Tantallon Castle

The spectacular, sandstone ruins of Tantallon Castle stand high on a clifftop, three miles east of the town of North Berwick.  Even in its ruinous state the medieval fortress has a commanding presence.  

Dating back to the 14th century, the castle was once a stronghold of the mighty Red Douglas family.  

Tantallon makes a great stage for children to explore, helping to bring Scotland’s medieval history to life.  They can battle mythical dragons, defend the castle from invaders or become king or queen for the day.  You’ll find lots of useful props on sale in the castle’s gift shop, including excellent dragon slaying swords!

Not only does Tantallon offer a fascinating insight into what life was like living and working in a castle, it also boasts one of the most amazing views in East Lothian.  If you have a head for heights you can climb up to the battlements and enjoy a stunning view across the Firth of Forth to the Bass Rock and beyond.

Dirleton Castle

Three miles west of North Berwick stand the imposing ruins of Dirleton Castle, another of East Lothian’s fantastic fortresses. 

Dirleton is a great castle to visit, as not only do you get to explore well-preserved medieval ruins, you’re also able to visit the gorgeous castle gardens.  In summer when the borders are in full bloom the garden is a riot of colour, attracting butterflies and bees.  On a sunny day, the grounds make the perfect spot for a family picnic.

Inside, see if you can find the ‘murder hole’ – once upon a time intruders approaching Dirleton would be in for a nasty shock when hot oil, tar, rocks and arrows would rain down on them from the ‘murder hole’ located above the castle’s entrance.  Today you’re perfectly safe to approach without fear of attack

Hailes Castle

We appreciate that the school holidays can be an expensive time, so our next castle is free to visit, and the good news is that it’s every bit as interesting as the others.  

Hailes Castle stands on the banks of the River Tyne, one mile south of the village of East Linton.  It’s a beautiful place to visit on a summer’s day – leafy, and with the relaxing sound of the river flowing by, it’s hard to imagine that it could ever have been anything other than a tranquil haven.  Yet history tells us that it was subjected to several violent sieges over the years.  Also, a quick peep inside the dank, claustrophobic pit prisons hint at a not so peaceful and idyllic past.   

All budding castle explorers worth their salt will love exploring this ancient, East Lothian gem.

East Lothian's other castles

While this blog focusses on castles in the care of HES, East Lothian has several other castles with an equally fascinating past, so here are a few more to whet your appetite:

Why not seek out the mysterious ruins of Yester Castle near the village of Gifford, and discover the ‘Goblin Ha’ or Goblin Hall if you dare?!  Legend has it that goblins helped build the castle.

If goblins are too scary for you, there’s always the pretty, pink Fenton Tower.  If you’re familiar with the TV show Balamory, you may recognise it as Archie the Inventor’s house.  While it’s not open to the public for tours, you can still get a good view of it and snap a photo from the roadside.

If you pay Seacliff Beach a visit, you could try to find the hidden ruins of Auldhame Castle.  They’re a mere stone’s throw from the sand if you know where to look. Little is known about the castle’s history, but the ivy clad ruins are charming and they offer a fantastic view of the beach.  

We hope that this post inspires you to get involved in Scotland’s year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.  Happy castle exploring if it does!     

So far on this blog we’ve focussed on land, but as much of East Lothian skirts the shore of the Firth of Forth we thought it was time to look at some of the wonders which can be found on that steely, grey stretch of water. 

The islands of the Firth of Forth have a long and rich history spanning everything from Viking raids, medieval saints, attacks by marauding English armies and daring tales of Jacobite defiance.  They’ve held imprisoned Covenanters, acted as quarantine centres during times of plague and played a key strategic role during the Napoleonic, First and Second World Wars.  

Today, they’re uninhabited (give or take a handful of people who work on them seasonally), and the only evidence of their history can be seen in the form of the eerie and decaying buildings which still stand.  The absence of humans on the islands has created a remote and safe environment for wildlife to thrive - seabirds have flourished.  It’s these seabirds which draw many visitors to the islands of the Firth of Forth today.

Puffin spotting on the Firth of Forth

The Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick run seasonal boat trips on the Firth of Forth to view the fascinating seabirds at close range.  The undeniable star of the show and crowd-puller is the clown-faced puffin.  Puffins can be found in huge numbers on the Isle of May which is one of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves.  This year there are 40,000 breeding pairs on the island, making the Isle of May the best place to spot puffins on the East Coast of the UK.  Arriving in March, they make their nests in burrows underground, ready for the arrival of their adorable little pufflings. It’s impossible to look at a puffin without smiling.  They’re such comical little birds, yet their cute appearance gives no clue as to how tough they really are.  After being born on land puffins spend the first four years of their lives out at sea.  As adults, they only spend the few short months of the breeding season on land, before heading back to sea. If you’d like to see puffins this year there’s still time, as they’ll be on the Isle of May until late July.  The Scottish Seabird Centre run a high-speed rib service to the island throughout puffin season, where you’re free to explore at your leisure for a couple of hours.  It’s not all about puffins either as the island is teeming with many other fascinating seabirds, including shags, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes. 

Seabird spotting on dry land

If the thought of a boat-trip leaves you feeling green around the gills, fear not - you can watch the seabirds from dry land instead, in the comfortable surroundings of the Scottish Seabird Centre.  The Discovery Centre is home to several webcams where you can view the seabirds on the Isle of May, Craigleith, the Bass Rock and Dunbar Harbour.  It’s a great way to enjoy the wildlife and spot puffins without having to feel the spray of salt water on your face.There’s also a Café on-site serving light lunches, teas, coffees and sweet treats, plus a gift shop stocking lots of lovely local products, including adorable puffin prints.  What better way to enjoy a day out and take home a seabird spotting memento?We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief glimpse of the fascinating Firth of Forth, and the wonders that are out there just waiting for you to discover them. 

After some recent sunny weather, we’re really looking forward to a fun packed summer of events here in East Lothian.  One of our biggest events in 2017 will be the Foxlake Outdoor Festival which takes place at Foxlake Adventures on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May.  Foxlake Adventures can be found 3 miles west of Dunbar in a beautiful, leafy setting just off the John Muir Way.  It’s an outdoor adventure park with a difference, as not only is it Scotland’s first cable wakeboarding park it’s also the UK’s only rope based assault course over water.  What better venue for an outdoor festival?

Foxlake Outdoor Festival 2017

This year’s festival is shaping up to be an amazing weekend, jam-packed full of things to see and do.  There’ll be heart in mouth displays of free running, stunt biking and a pro wakeboarding competition.  There will also be cooking demonstrations showcasing delicious local ingredients, stand-up comedy from popular comedians Des Clarke, Tom Stade, Jojo Sutherland and more, plus live music to suit all tastes from acts including, Take This, Status No, Little Fix and Beatles Revisited!Adrenaline junkies can enjoy an action movie experience by free falling 8 meters onto a stunt bag, then scaling a 7-meter-high climbing wall.  Those with a competitive streak will love East Lothian’s very own Highland Games with a distinct Lowland twist.  Think you have what it takes to be crowned the Wheat Sheaf Pitching or Hay Bale Rolling champion?  Children will be well catered for too with the Kids Zone, an inflatable village where they can bungee, bounce, jump, sumo wrestle and spar with pugil sticks until their hearts are content!  With fresh air and exercise comes a healthy appetite, so there will be lots of tasty food and drink (soft and alcoholic) on sale to keep the hunger pangs and thirst at bay. If you’d like to attend the festival, tickets are selling fast so snap yours up now before it’s too late. 

An afternoon of adventure at Foxlake

As the Foxlake Outdoor Festival aims to encourage families to get active together outdoors, our blogging team from ‘Scotland with the Wee White Dug’ paid Foxlake Adventures a visit to do just that.  Our adventure guinea pigs (of mixed age and ability) had no previous experience of wakeboarding, or shimmying along narrow planks of wood over water.  Luckily, they chose a perfect, sunny afternoon for their visit and the water looked almost inviting. Once everyone had been kitted out with wetsuits, buoyancy aids and safety helmets it was time for a wakeboard taster session.  Two out of three participated (the grown-ups), and despite mixed success in the water, the sense of achievement felt at managing a few shaky meters upright was immense.  Wakeboarding was given a huge, thumbs up.  As Foxlake Adventures is a dog friendly park, the Wee White Dug was on hand to bark some encouragement from dry land.   After an introduction to wakeboarding it was time to try FoxFall, a rope based assault course over water with four routes, of varying difficulty levels.  One grown up (Mum) wimped out after a confidence crisis, but the other grown up and teen managed to carefully navigate the course without falling in.  The grand finale of FoxFall is a thrilling zip-line into water which everyone tried and loved.  Feeling brave, Mum even returned for a second go!  Everyone left happy after a great family afternoon out, highlighting that mixed ages and abilities can participate in outdoor activities together and still have lots of fun. If you do visit Foxlake Adventures after reading this, then please don’t sit at the side-lines and watch the kids enjoying themselves.   Don a wetsuit and join in, as we can 100% guarantee you’ll have a ball.

East Lothian’s most famous son

On 21st April 1838, East Lothian’s most famous son John Muir was born in the town of Dunbar. Muir became known the World over for his ground-breaking work as a writer, naturalist, conservationist, inventor, climber and campaigner. Although he spent most his life in America, his early formative years were spent in East Lothian, and it was there exploring the countryside and coastline that he developed a lifelong love of nature and the great outdoors. A love which would earn him the names ‘John of the Mountains’ and the ‘Father of National Parks’.

The John Muir Way

The John Muir Way was opened in 2014, to coincide with the centenary of his death. The 134-mile, long distance walking and cycling route starts in Helensburgh on Scotland’s West Coast. This is where the young John Muir sailed off on a ship with his family, to begin a new life in America. From Helensburgh the route winds eastward, eventually passing through Edinburgh, before reaching East Lothian and ending fittingly in Dunbar.

If the thought of a long-distance walk makes your feet hurt, you could try one of the ten shorter sections of the route instead. The final 15-mile stretch runs from North Berwick to Dunbar. It passes through some stunning countryside and coastline, skirting by North Berwick Law, which can be climbed as an optional detour for those feeling particularly energetic. The walk to the summit is short and steep and the views are rewarding, so it’s well worth a little extra effort to climb. For Outlander fans, there’s the historic Preston Mill, where a certain Highlander called Jamie Fraser bathed in the river by the mill in a scene that’s become a firm favourite with fans! The John Muir Way ends on Dunbar’s High Street at the house where he was born, which is now a museum.

John Muir’s Dunbar

A must for anyone with an interest in Muir’s life is a visit to his Birthplace Museum. The museum aims to keep his work alive and share his pioneering message so it’s not forgotten.

In later life Muir, recounted tales of growing up in Dunbar and exploring rockpools by the sea or watching in awe as waves crashed angrily off the shore during storms. He frequently saw ships passing by with cargoes destined for far flung shores. His was a boyhood head filled with tales of pirates, smugglers and adventures at sea.

When he left his Scottish hometown by train in 1849 to begin his long journey to America, Dunbar had only been served by a rail link for 3 years. The arrival of the railway in town had been greeted with excitement and a huge banquet was held at the station house. When Muir returned to Dunbar in 1893 during a European tour he found the railway had brought about a big change to his hometown. It was now a popular destination for tourists and day-trippers, with visitors flocking there in droves to enjoy a break by the sea.

Dunbar today

Dunbar remains popular with visitors today. It’s a vibrant harbour town with a good mix of tourist accommodation, shops, eateries and things to do. It’s a town where the great outdoors lies directly on the doorstep in the form of rugged cliffs, beach and parkland. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a short break or day trip. Why not pay it a visit to get better acquainted with its most famous son and discover the wildlife, countryside and coastline that sparked his lifelong love of nature. You never know it may even ignite something in you too.

With winter, officially over and a sea of daffodils announcing the arrival of spring, it’s natural for us to want to spend more time outdoors in the pursuit of fresh air and some long overdue daylight.

In this blog, we’re going to look at some of the diverse outdoor activities you can try in East Lothian. We’ll check out options suitable for all ages and abilities, ranging from woodland fairy trails to riding on the crest of a wave.

Outdoor activities for children

The woodland fairy trail at Archerfield Walled Garden is a lovely way to enjoy some gentle outdoor activity with younger children.  They’ll adore exploring the trail, looking for tiny fairy houses in the trees.  If you visit don’t forget to make a wish and tie it to the wishing tree.  

Older children will love Foxlake Adventures near Dunbar.  There’s cable wakeboarding, a rope based assault course, off-road Segway treks and more to choose from.  They’ll have so much fun they probably won’t even miss their iPads.

Outdoor activities for all the family

If you have a good pair of sea legs, a boat trip from the Seabird Centre in North Berwick to the Bass Rock or Isle of May is a must.  There’s a fast-moving rib ride for thrill seekers or a catamaran sailing for a more sedate crossing.  If you’re lucky you might even spot some puffins.

Prefer to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground?  Castle exploring could be for you.  East Lothian boasts some of Scotland’s finest medieval ruins. Within a short distance of each other you’ll find Dirleton, Hailes and Tantallon Castles.  These impressive medieval fortresses also make idyllic picnic spots, so don’t forget to take some sandwiches.

Outdoor activities for the thrill seeker

Ever wished you could fly?  You’re in luck, as you can take to the skies with East of Scotland Microlights who are based at East Fortune Airfield near North Berwick.  You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful East Lothian countryside from a completely new perfective.  A good head for heights is a must for this adventurous outdoor activity.

Water babies can have a go at surfing and paddle boarding at Dunbar’s Coast to Coast Surf School - enjoy that Bondai Beach experience without having to worry about sharks!  It’s a great way to build confidence in the water and improve your core strength.

Outdoor activities for nature and animal lovers

Miles of open countryside, long sandy beaches and quiet country roads make East Lothian perfect for pony trekking.  There are several riding centres in the region offering everything from lessons for beginners, through to beach treks for experienced riders.  The Harelaw Equestrian Centre is ideally located on the extensive Gosford Estate.  They make full use of the estate’s woodland trails and off-road tracks for trekking.  

Aberlady Local Nature Reserve is a wonderful place for bird spotting.  The salt marsh, low water and sand dunes found there provide a diverse natural habitat for many bird species.  If you’re unable to tell the difference between a Pink-Footed Goose and a Lapwing, then the extensive trails within the nature reserve also make for a nice walk.

If you want to find out more about the local birdlife, be sure to visit the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club HQ at Waterstone House nearby.

East Lothian’s most famous outdoor activity

East Lothian isn’t known as Scotland’s Golf Coast for nothing.  Golf is everywhere you look, from the numerous courses in the region, to golf shops and golf themed hotels and bars.  There’s no denying that East Lothian loves golf.  With gorgeous coastal views, rolling countryside and lots of mild, blue sky days, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a round of golf or two.

With the Easter holiday’s fast approaching, we hope this blog will inspire you to enjoy an East Lothian outdoor adventure of your own.

Samantha Grant, March 2017
Scotland with the Wee White Dug

Why East Lothian?

Planning a staycation in the UK, or perhaps a dream holiday to Scotland from further afield? Torn between beach, countryside and town?

Now, you probably think we’re a little biased as far as East Lothian’s concerned, and you’re right - we think it makes the perfect holiday destination. So, let’s see if we can convince you too.

It’s a varied region with stunning beaches, rolling countryside and pretty villages and towns. It’s also home to award winning tourist attractions such as the Scottish Seabird Centre and the National Museum of Flight. There are lots of excellent places to eat, from fine dining restaurants, to cafes, bistros and inns.

If you enjoy activity packed holidays you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. From golf to wakeboarding and castle exploring - there’s something for everyone. Alternatively, if Zen-like calm is more your thing, then it’s a great place to ‘escape from it all’. You can watch the sunset from one of the beautiful beaches in the region, or unwind with a relaxing spa treatment.

East Lothian also makes a great base for exploring Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, which are both just a short hop away.

From Castle stays to glamping and everything in-between

The tourist accommodation you’ll find here is as diverse as the region itself. There are lots of high quality and unique places to stay.

Ever dreamt of living in a castle like a King or Queen of old? In East Lothian you can make that dream a reality – for a short while at least! Fenton Tower is a 16th century tower house which sits in open countryside, 3 miles south of the popular seaside town of North Berwick. King James VI, son of Mary Queen of Scots once sheltered in the castle. Today it provides 5-star tourist accommodation for up to 12 guests, and there’s a dedicated team on hand to cater to your every need.

Maybe your idea of holiday heaven is self-catering in a cute wooden cabin near the sea? If it is then you’ll love The Cabin near Tantallon Castle. This small rural property has a pretty wildflower garden and beautiful views. It’s also pet friendly, so there’s no need to leave your four-legged loved one at home.

If a remote rural setting isn’t for you, then a town with a little hustle and bustle may be. The Rocks Hotel in Dunbar is perfectly situated by the sea. The on-site restaurant, with its mouth-watering menu makes this the perfect escape for town loving foodies.

Many of us will have happy childhood memories of caravan holidays by the sea. East Lothian has several excellent caravan parks with lots of on-site activities to keep children amused. Seton Sands Holiday Village in Port Seton is situated on a prime beachside spot. If the thought of dipping your toes in Scottish seawater doesn’t tempt you, then the heated indoor pool might. Dogs are welcome at this property too.

East Lothian has no shortage of excellent golf courses, including Muirfield, Gullane and Archerfield, so it’s hardly surprising that the area attracts a high number of golf tourists. The Lodge at Craigielaw has 25 guest rooms and is the perfect base for exploring the region’s golf courses, starting with the on-site Craigielaw Golf Club.

If the options above all sound far too exhausting, and you’d rather spend your well-earned holiday wearing a fluffy robe and slippers then the Marine Hotel in North Berwick could be the perfect place for you. With spa packages starting at £45 per person, the only dilemma you’ll have is deciding which of the wonderful treatments you’ll choose. Fido is also welcome at this property, but you may feel far too relaxed to walk him!

Unfortunately, one short blog won’t allow us to look at all the wonderful holiday accommodation available in East Lothian. We hope this has given you some great ideas though, and whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic weekend away or a golf/spa break with friends, we hope to see you here very soon.

Samantha Grant, March 2017
Scotland with the Wee White Dug

In this blog, we're going to focus on a fascinating and beautiful site in the care of our team of Countryside Rangers. We're a little jealous as they get to spend lots of time outdoors, working in beautiful, rural East Lothian. They're responsible for conservation and monitoring, and are knowledgeable in all things countryside. Their job remit covers everything from sandy beaches, to hills, monuments and country walks.

Traprain Law lies under 4 miles east of Haddington. For anyone unfamiliar with the Scots language we should explain that the word law means hill in Scotland, so Traprian Law is a hill. It stands at a modest height of 221 meters and is surrounded by flat countryside, making it appear taller.

History

The hill is one of Scotland's most important historical sites. Due to it being a great vantage point it was once home to an extensive hill fort, and is likely to have been the ancient capital of the Votadini Tribe. The Votadini seem to have coexisted quite peacefully with the Romans during their occupation of the surrounding area. In 1919 one of the most significant hoards of Roman silver ever found was discovered on the hill. The Traprain Law Treasure consists of around 250 pieces of 'hacked up' Roman silverware, weighing 22kg. Today pieces from the impressive collection can be viewed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Wildlife

An abundance of wildlife exists on and around Traprain Law with foxes, badgers, newts, barn owls, skylarks and peregrine falcons all in evidence. The highlight of any visit though is undoubtedly a meeting with the friendly Exmoor Ponies who call the hill home. The ponies play an important role in keeping the wild grasses on the hill under control, which in turn encourages wild flowers to grow and helps to prevent wildfires from spreading. Human visitors are greeted warmly, but don't be fooled by these equine charmers as their motive is food!

Plantlife

The law is rich in plant life too with wild flowers, grasses and plants such as Primrose, Saxifrage, Crested Hair-grass and Meadowsweet all found growing there. When the wild gorse blooms with yellow flowers in spring, the air is filled with the distinctive smell of coconut. It's impossible to pass without thinking of summer holidays. Lichens also flourish on the hill, including several rare and scarce species.

Geology

Traprain Law is a Laccolith which was formed during volcanic activity in the Carboniferous period. It's made of a type of rock called phonolite, which isn't commonly found in Scotland. Glacial erosion during the ice age shaped the law into a crag and tail formation, just like the hills Edinburgh Castle and the Wallace Monument stand on today.

Like all Scottish places worth their salt Traprain Law has a fascinating legend attached to it. It's said that a 6th century king called Loth or Lot once lived there. He became outraged when he found out his daughter was pregnant and threw her off the hill to her death – or so he thought. Instead she survived, escaping across the Firth of Forth to Culross in Fife where she gave birth to a son. Her son later became St Mungo, Glasgow's patron saint. Legend has it that Lothian as in East Lothian derived from the name Loth.

We hope you've found this whistle-stop tour of Traprian Law interesting. In addition to the monitoring and conservation work our Countryside Rangers do, they also organise events throughout the year, such as long distance hikes, guided activities and conservation tasks. You can find out more here. They publish a quarterly newsletter too 'Mud in Your Eye' where you can read about local wildlife, places to explore and the changing of the seasons.

Visiting Traprain Law

Getting there: From East Linton, take the turning off the A199 that goes under the A1. Turn right at the junction and head uphill, passing a couple of farms. Traprian Law is signposted from a turning on the right-hand side.

Facilities: Free car parking, on-site information boards, Ranger service.

Accessibility: Traprain Law is suitable for walkers of all ages, but requires sensible footwear and a moderate level of fitness and mobility.

Samantha Grant, February 2017
Scotland with the Wee White Dug

Reluctantly, we’re going to let you in on one of East Lothian’s best kept secrets. You see, we love Seacliff Beach so much that we’d like to keep it to ourselves but that would be selfish, so we’re going to share it with you and ask you to keep it a secret too - deal?

Seacliff Beach can be found just off a private road, reached via the A198 at Auldhame. There’s a £3 toll to access the beach and car park, but it’s worth every penny as Seacliff is a tranquil haven, where you can enjoy a quiet stroll by the sea and hardly bump into another soul. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. On a clear day, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the Hebrides, as the golden sand and azure blue sea gives the place a real Hebridean hue. It’s only the Bass Rock looming in the Firth of Forth that gives away the true location.

Seacliff is a beach with interesting features too. To the west of its sandy, sheltered bay sits a tiny harbour built in the Victorian era. It was hewn, painstakingly out of a large lump of sandstone known as Ghegan Rock. The tiny harbour has access to the sea via a narrow, sandstone channel. It’s a real feat of Victorian engineering.

From the harbour the mighty, medieval fortress and one time Douglas family stronghold, Tantallon Castle can be seen looming from its clifftop seat. Another castle ruin sits hidden, and all but forgotten nearby. Concealed on a leafy incline, behind the west side of the beach lie the ruins of the 16th century Auldhame Castle. Only a vaulted cellar and some tower walls remain today. Unlike its famous next-door neighbour, little is known of its history.

On the east side of the beach a rocky outcrop known as St Baldred’s Boat, protrudes into the sea. At its tip a conical stone pillar, topped by a cross can be seen rising from the water. The cross commemorate the 8th century hermit, St Baldred of Tyninghame. This part of East Lothian has strong links to the saint who is thought to have arrived in East Lothian from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland.

In true hermit fashion, St Baldred loved nothing better than a bit of solitary confinement. Sitting above the beach in the car park, is a small cave known as St Baldred’s Cave. Local legend says that St Baldred lived in the cave from time to time. Excavations of the cave led to the discovery of a large rock, thought to have been used as an altar. Human and animal remains, pottery fragments and a bone knife were also unearthed, but they dated to the Iron Age and not the 8th century.

Seacliff has much more to offer than pretty scenery and history though. It’s an excellent place to take children to explore rockpools, build sandcastles and paddle in the sea. Older children will love clambering up Ghegan Rock to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beach. Seacliff is a wonderful subject for photographers too, with lots of interesting features to snap. Wildlife lovers can watch thousands of seabirds swarming around the Bass Rock. Its sheltered location also makes Seacliff the perfect spot to enjoy a good old fashioned picnic by the sea, and who doesn’t love a picnic?

So, that’s Seacliff Beach, one of East Lothian’s best kept secrets and finest hidden gems. Please remember to keep it to yourself, as we don’t want everyone to know about it!

Visiting Seacliff Beach

Location: Accessed via a private road, just off the A198 at Auldhame. Postcode for sat nav EH39 5PP.

Entry fee: £3 charge, paid at an unmanned toll barrier

Facilities: On-site parking, toilets

Access: The beach is located right next to the car park and toilets, and is accessed via some wooden steps with handrails.

Samantha Grant, February 2017
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Great Places to Eat Out in East Lothian

You don’t have to look far in East Lothian to find great places to eat out. This is a region that celebrates Scotland’s rich, natural larder. You’ll find Scotch beef, locally caught seafood and home-grown fruit and vegetables in abundance on menus. There’s something to suit all tastes, occasions and budgets, so let’s take a look at what’s out there:

Fine dining

Whether you want to enjoy Valentine’s Day with a romantic meal or celebrate a special occasion with good food and wine, East Lothian has options aplenty.

Chez Roux at Greywalls

Set within six acres of beautiful grounds, Chez Roux is the perfect venue for that special celebration.

The Craigleith Restaurant

This North Berwick restaurant has stunning views of the Firth of Forth. You’ll be torn between tucking into dinner and enjoying the view.

Bistro dining

The towns and villages of East Lothian boast numerous gastropubs and bistros serving great quality meals.

The Creel

Situated by the harbour in Dunbar, you can enjoy the fruits of the sea, combined with the smell of fresh sea air. The Chef/Proprietor at The Creel earned his stripes working with seafood guru Rick Stein.

The Crown & Kitchen

A visit to the unspoiled town of East Linton is like stepping back in time. The Crown & Kitchen is a popular spot, serving tasty gastropub food.

Family friendly fun

Keeping children amused can be a challenge. Luckily East Lothian has a number of child friendly attractions where you can take the kids to burn off excess energy, and enjoy a bite to eat.

Foxlake Adventures

You’ll definitely build up an appetite after a visit to Scotland’s first cable wakeboarding park. Foxlake’s award winning Boardwalk Café is a great place to refuel after an activity packed day out.

National Museum of flight

Budding aviators will love the National Museum of Flight which is home to Concorde. There’s an on-site café too which serves light lunches and sweet treats.

Dog friendly

East Lothian is a popular destination with dog walkers due to its abundance of long sandy beaches, walking trails, hills and parks. Many local eateries are dog friendly, making it possible to enjoy a good walk and a nice lunch.

The Goblin Ha'

Situated in the village of Gifford, The Goblin Ha’ welcomes dogs and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re feeling brave explore the ruins of Yester Castle nearby, and trace the origins of The Goblin Ha’s unusual name!

Cockenzie House & Gardens

Explore the beautiful grounds of this 17th century house, then unwind in Cadell’s Café which welcomes dogs in the conservatory and terrace.

Samantha Grant

This whistle-stop tour of eating out in East Lothian barely scratches the surface when it comes to the large number of high quality options there are out there, so why not pay us a visit and find out for yourself?