Driving Routes
If you enjoy exploring by car, our driving routes are a great way to discover the very best of East Lothian. Each route provides you with a unique insight into the region’s fascinating history and heritage and bring you right up to date with modern East Lothian.
There are three routes to choose from and, if time allows, we'd recommend doing all three! Along the way, you'll find interpretation boards at key stopping points, linking to additional information about the surrounding area and nearby places of interest.
Follow the Coastal Trail to enjoy spectacular scenery, varied wildlife and popular attractions. Explore The Saltire Trail and uncover stories of Scotland's history, heritage and culture. Or take the Hillfoots Trail through glorious countryside and traditional villages, with panoramic views across the landscape.
Parts of the routes can also be explored on foot or by bike. Find out more about our cycling and walking routes, with options suitable for a range of ages and abilities.
Travelling by electric vehicle? For information on Electric Vehicle Charging Points in East Lothian across the region to help plan your journey.
Please respect local communities and other road users when following the routes and remember to Love East Lothian Responsibly!
The Coastal Trail
Choose this route for - cliffs, beaches, wildlife spotting and historical attractions!
Length: 37miles
Locations: Bilsdean / Dunbar / Tyninghame / Whitekirk / North Berwick / Dirleton / Gullane / Aberlady / Longniddry / Prestonpans / Musselburgh
Millions of years ago today's landscape was being created. Molten rock erupted and left the remains of two volcanoes - North Berwick Law and the Bass Rock.
Today's scenery is more peaceful - apart from the herring gulls that can be heard overhead! They are just some of the thousands of seabirds that make this coastline special. Visit the Scottish Seabird Centre to find out about gannets, fulmars, puffins, kittiwakes and many more.
Along the coast, where harbours are full of pleasure craft, working fishing boats still land their catches. In days gone by coal was exported from Port Seton and horse dung imported from Edinburgh at Aberlady!
There were times of turmoil when Tantallon Castle defended the Firth of Forth, Dunbar Castle defied siege and Dirleton Castle fell to marauding troops. Mansions like Gosford House tell a less violent story while ancient churches - like Whitekirk - have seen it all go by.
Nowadays, the seashores draw families to the coastal towns of Gullane, North Berwick, and Dunbar. The many sandy 'links' attract golfers hoping for a perfect round and racegoers in search of a lucky wager head to Musselburgh.
