John Muir Way - Day Trips

Starting at North Berwick Station, the route follows residential streets through town first, and then joins the John Muir Way at the golf course. After a short section on gravel, Abbotsford Road is followed out of town. The route continues on the John Muir Way to Yellowcraig Beach, which provides a great place to stop to watch the gannets feeding in spring/summer, or to enjoy the impressive pine trees along the way. From Yellowcraig a short section on a woodland path is followed by another gravel track to Dirleton, with a castle, pubs and a church, all worth a visit. From here the route crosses the A198, which can get very busy, so extra care is needed. The route continues on quiet tarmac roads south and then east, to rejoin the John Muir Way at Craigmoor Wood. A flowy trail winds itself through the woodland and further on to East Wood, from where the scenery becomes very open, with North Berwick Law, a conical hill that rises from the surroundings and overlooks the East Lothian landscape, dominating the view. This is a worthwhile detour on foot for the views. Although there is an opening in the wall just before the Law, for most bikes this will be too narrow and bikes need to be lifted over the wall. For heavy bikes, instead of taking the track, continue on Haddington Road into North Berwick and rejoin the route. The route follows the John Muir Way into North Berwick and finishes at the railway station.

If you enjoyed this route, why not try the following?

Tantallon & Seacliff Circular

Scottish Outdoor Access Code: know the code before you go

Route Description

Starting at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, the route follows the coastal road to a car park and then follows a track across the golf course, to meet the main road to Dunbar at Tantallon Caravan and Camping Park. From here the John Muir Way cycling route is followed to Whitekirk, first on a small road and then on a grassy track across Becky's Strip, which provides fantastic views. Whitekirk’s St Mary's Church is one of the best preserved small medieval churches in Scotland. From here the route follows the A198 for a short section, and then heads towards the coast on a mix of gravel tracks and roads through Brownrig Wood to Ravensheugh Sands, an impressive sandy beach. The route follows the coast past Scoughall and Seacliff, and then leaves the coast again on a farm track towards Tantallon Castle. Bass Rock can be seen in the distance along the way. Passing Tantallon Castle the route rejoins the road passing Canty Bay, where DRIFT cafe offers a last place to stop before the route follows a last section of singletrack through The Glen and back to the start.   

If you enjoyed this route, why not try the following?

Two Harbours Circular

Scottish Outdoor Access Code: know the code before you go

Route Description

The route starts at Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh and follows the John Muir Way east along the promenade and the banks of the River Esk, crossing it on the newly reopened Electric Bridge. The route continues past a playground and skatepark, and then leaves Fisherrow Sands, a paradise for birdwatchers. From Morrison’s Haven, Prestongrange Museum is a worthwhile detour and free to enter. Prestonpans is renowned for its murals, some of them are passed by the route. If possible, the route follows the low tide route of the John Muir Way along the waterfront. Otherwise please follow the main road through Prestonpans and rejoin the John Muir Way after the big supermarket on the left. The route passes the remains of a former power station, and a few steps need to be negotiated before reaching Cockenzie Harbour. The tour can be further extended to Port Seton Harbour. The route returns on a cycle path along the main road first and then follows the road through Prestonpans and a cycle path towards Westpans. From here the route rejoins the John Muir Way until the Electric Bridge and returns on New Street to Fisherrow Harbour.

If you enjoyed this route, why not try the following?

Tantallon & Seacliff Circular

Scottish Outdoor Access Code: know the code before you go