East Lothian Walkfest Routes
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and captivating wildlife of East Lothian. These featured walking routes, showcased in the annual East Lothian Walking Festival, offer a unique opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll along riversides or a challenging hike through rolling hills, there are great adventures to be had and discoveries to be made.
Amisfield
Total Distance: 4.4km, Walking Time: 1+ hours
Explore one of the largest walled gardens in Scotland. It's fully accessible, laid flat, with even paths and parking close to the entrance. The route can be extended to include a walk into historic Haddington, returning along the River Tyne. The path is generally flat and firm underfoot and can be muddy in places.
Butterdean Wood All-Ability Walk
Total Distance: 2.2km, Walking Time: Less than 1 hour
This route uses flat and firm paths on a circular loop through the woods. The all-ability walk offers a great opportunity to enjoy nature and spot some fantastic David Freedman artworks along the way. The Wood has multiple paths to explore but can be uneven and muddy outwith this route.
Forth To Farne
Total Distance: 11.3km, Walking Time: 3-4 hours
A beautiful Riverside and coastal walk. This is the second half of the first section of the Forth to Farne Pilgrim Way, which is a 162km route from North Berwick to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Starting in the picturesque village of East Linton, the route follows the Tyne River to Belhaven and on into Dunbar, finishing at Winterfield Park.
Going Batty
Total Distance: 3km, Walking Time: 1+ hours
Circular route around Berwick Law and nature reserve. The perfect place to spot bats (and other wildlife) feeding on the abundant insect life. The route has a steep ascent/descent section that can be avoided by returning along the same path.
Pencaitland & Glenkinchie
Total Distance: 7.5km, Walking Time: 2 hours
This is a level scenic route that combines paved paths, woodland trails and the old Pencaitland Railway. A lovely route passing through the lanes and ‘hidden’ woodland of Pencaitland village before reaching the turning point at Glenkinchie Distillery. Their café offers a welcome refreshment break and overlooks beautiful, landscaped gardens that were once the distillery’s bowling green. Return along the historic Pencaitland Railway.
Prestonpans Mural Walk
Total Distance: 6km each way, Walking Time: 1.5-2 hours
A fascinating walk following the Prestonpans Murals Trail. The walk explores the history, culture, industrial heritage and links with the Jacobites, shown through the work of the mural artists. It is a linear walk that can be shortened to suit if need be.
Scotland in the Caribbean
Total Distance: 3km+, Walking Time: 2+ hours
This is a coastal walk that encourages you to be a geological detective and explore the rock formations along the beach. Please check the tide times before setting out. There are examples of rocks that tell our geological and climate history from the Carboniferous period - tropical, volcanic, to ice age! The walk can be extended by following the well-marked coastal route.
Spott, Remembering Together Walk
Total Distance: 3.3km, Walking Distance: 1-1.5 hours
A circular route around the village of Spott. The route uses a mix of damp woodland trails, farm tracks and field margins plus a newly constructed boardwalk across an old curling pond, teeming with wildlife. This walk has a beautiful atmosphere of calm, perfect for the Remembering Together Project.
Twin Peaks Challenge
Total Distance: 18km, Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Route uses well marked and mixed woodland, riverside and countryside trails. It falls naturally into two sections with a break at the mid-point of East Linton, so ideal for a day walk. It includes two short but steep climbs to the tops of Traprain Law and North Berwick Law which could be missed out. Views from the tops of both, however, are beautiful.
Whiteadder Loop
Total Distance: 15.3km, Walking Time: 5-6 hours
A lovely circular walk around the Whiteadder reservoir. Experience plenty of wonderful views throughout the walk but especially from the tops of Sparleton and Preistlaw hills. The route uses farm tracks which are generally good underfoot plus some sections crossing heather moorland. This can be boggy in please.
