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Explore East Lothian beaches

Looking over to the seafront houses that overlook the beach at North Berwick

North Berwick

A couple walk hand in hand in late afternoon sun along the sandy beach at Gullane

Gullane, East Lothian

A close-up of a signpost for the John Muir Way, on a section of the route in East Lothian, with grassland in view behind it.

John Muir Way

Yellowcraig beach

Yellowcraig beach © Kenny Lam

Get involved in the free action along the sweeping East Lothian coastline, whether you chose to ride the waves, watch the wildlife or walk some of the John Muir Way, a coastal path which takes in East Lothian’s great beaches.

Gullane

The wide sandy bay at Gullane is one of the most popular beaches in the east of Scotland. A favourite with surfers, Gullane is just 20 miles from Edinburgh and offers superb views, often with spectacular sunsets. The village of Gullane is a short walk away and boasts an attractive range of pubs, shops and restaurants, making it a great place for a day out.

Yellowcraig

A long sandy beach which is popular with families and dog walkers, Yellowcraig is near the village of Dirleton, which also boasts a great castle. There's plenty of space to run about, play in the park and wood, fly a kite or enjoy a game of football. The beach offers great views over the Firth of Forth to Fife and the island of Fidra which is said to have been the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.

John Muir Way

Taking in much of East Lothian’s coastline, the John Muir Way extends for almost 73km, linking the city of Edinburgh with the Scottish Borders. Named in honour of the conservationist and founder of America's National Parks, who was born in Dunbar in 1838, the coastal path is a great way to discover the highlights of East Lothian’s coastline.

Find more beaches in Edinburgh and the Lothians which are great for free things to do.