Mini Adventures in East Lothian
Mini adventures in East Lothian can lead you inland as well as to the county’s beautiful coastline, and they can suit all tastes - whether you’re after a gentle adventure or something more challenging.
Visit East Lothian’s Mini Adventures film offers inspiration - taking in rugged scenery and dramatic landscapes, the exploration of which is rewarded with warming moments in local hotspots.
Ocean Vertical is a passionate team of adventurers. Stevie Boyle, Adrian Boot, Mollie Hughes and Jacob Allen specialise in leading paddleboarding, coasteering, surfing, climbing and mountaineering locally and around Scotland.
We captured Mollie and Adrian heading out from their base near Dunbar to the Lammermuirs, climbing Spartleton from Whiteadder Reservoir on a beautiful February day. The Lammermuirs is a stunning area of high moorland that borders the regions of East Lothian and the Scottish Borders. From steep climbs to gentle strolls, there are loads of diverse walking trails that offer a breathtaking sense of space in beautiful surroundings, and incredible views.
Dunbar-based artist Eilidh Muldoon, the talented illustrator behind a series of special artworks for Visit East Lothian, took a trip with her young daughter to John Muir Country Park, where they strolled along sandy paths and played in the shallow waters at the mouth of the River Tyne, spotting the friendly animals in East Links Family Park and the walking alpaca tours on the way. The John Muir Country Park can be enjoyed by both a family exploring the outdoors and the natural history enthusiast. It supports a wide range of habitats, birds and plants and covers some of the most spectacular East Lothian coastline. The Park is named after John Muir, the explorer, naturalist and conservationist who was born in Dunbar in 1838. He lived here until the age of 11, when the Muir family immigrated to the United States, settling in Wisconsin. BBQ stoves, large children's park, WCs and cold showers are located at Linkfield car park.
From there, the lure of Steampunk’s delicious coffee and homemade bakes was impossible to resist. Steampunk is a speciality coffee roastery focussed on roasting ethically sourced micro batches of single origin beans from around the world. Visit their warehouse building, tucked behind North Berwick's High Street, from where they roast and ship their coffees. During the winter you can sit by their vintage log burner and, on finer days, you can sun yourself on the sheltered cobbled terrace while enjoying a coffee and watching the world go by. Dogs and cyclists are very welcome!
Meanwhile, Stevie and Jacob from Ocean Vertical took to the paddle boards from the hidden gem that is Seacliff Beach. This unspoilt private beach is home to the UK's smallest harbour with spectacular views of the Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle. The beach attracts surfers, dog walkers and picnickers all year round. There is a small fee for car parking controlled by a coin-operated barrier.
Despite clear blue skies, there was frost on the ground and a warming spell in the nearby Spear Sauna at The Mart at East Linton was welcome – followed by an invigorating ice-bucket shower! The wood-fired Spear Sauna horsebox can be booked at [email protected]
Also in need of a cosy fire and warm welcome after their trek on the hills were Adrian and Mollie. Station Yard Micro Pub in Dunbar, run by Haddington-based Winton Brewery, delivered the goods - great beers, snacks and board games by a wood-burning stove – there’s even a guitar on the wall for a spontaneous singalong.
Out and about or ‘coorie’ in, where will your mini adventures around East Lothian take you? Discover more at www.visiteastlothian.org
Author: Jackie Gardiner
Visit East Lothian
