PATH INFORMATION East Lothian’s John Muir The 10km section between Fisherrow and John Muir, who is often acknowledged Cockenzie is mostly on level terrain and as being the ‘father’ of the modern follows tarmac or gravel paths. conservation movement was born in Dunbar. The first 2.5km of the Cockenzie to Aberlady section follows tarmac paths and Visit John Muir’s Birthplace at pavements. The remaining 6km is mainly 126 High Street, Dunbar. sandy paths through the dunes. Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm; The 15km between Aberlady and North Sunday from 1pm – 5pm Berwick is on a variety of surfaces, (closed Monday and Tuesday from October including pavement, gravel and grass paths. – March). There is an interactive visitor centre The 24km North Berwick to Dunbar section with regular events and children’s activities. is mainly over grass tracks and gravel paths. There are some steps and inclines, steepest For details please visit www.jmbt.org.uk near Dunbar where the path is sometimes close to cliff tops. The John Muir Link is 17 kilometres long Public Transport from Dunbar to Cockburnspath. It runs along narrow tracks on grass and pebble There are various points along the beaches. There are some steep inclines. way where public transport can be Some sections run along the side of golf courses. used to return to your start point Please keep to the path, keep dogs on a short lead or take you on to other locations. and try not to disturb play. Details are available from the Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or visit: www.traveline.info Scottish Outdoor Access Code Know the Code before you go … FURTHER INFORMATION Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors – responsibly! For further information about the John Muir Way from Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland Helensburgh to Dunbar visit: www.johnmuirway.org water providing they act responsibly. Your access rights and responsibilities are explained fully in the Scottish Printable copies of this and other leaflets (including those Outdoor Access Code. which cover the five sections of the John Muir Way in Whether you’re in the outdoors or managing the more detail) are available on our website: outdoors, the key things are to: www.visiteastlothian.org. • take responsibility for your own actions; You can contact East Lothian Council’s Outdoor Access • respect the interests of other people; Team by email: [email protected] or call • care for the environment. us on 01620 827671 or 01620 827419. Find out more by visiting: www.outdooraccess-scotland.com follow us @goeastlothian or phoning your local Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Scottish Natural Heritage office. www.facebook.com/visiteastlothian
The John Muir Way in East Lothian
and the John Muir Link EAST LOTHIAN’S COASTAL PATHS
East Lothian has a very distinctive The John Muir Way in East Lothian These coastal paths are named in honour of the conservationist and founder of America’s National Parks and varied landscape. The coastline and the John Muir Link who was born in Dunbar in 1838. East Lothian has a very distinct and varied landscape. The coastline Along these paths you will see striking geological features sandy beaches, cliffs, features sandy beaches, cliffs, harbours and castles whilst inland features, such as the Bass Rock and North Berwick Law. much of the landscape has been shaped by agriculture. Pause a while and enjoy the wildlife of the shore, the harbours and castles whilst inland riverbank or hedgerow. The John Muir Way is a long-distance much of the landscape has route stretching 215 kilometres from Inland, in the summer, golden fields of wheat and barley Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute to Dunbar rise to meet a green and purple patchwork of grassland here in East Lothian. The route passes and heather moor on the Lammermuir Hills to the south. been shaped by agriculture. many historical and industrial heritage sites and links in with many other local East Lothian also has a colourful history, as can be seen paths, so small sections can be tackled on by the number of ruined castles, such as Dunbar, Dirleton their own or as part of a circular route. and Tantallon.
In East Lothian the two coastal paths, the Take your time, enjoy the great views, stay a while and John Muir Way and the John Muir Link, seek out the many fascinating places along the John run for 77 kilometres from Musselburgh in Muir Way that have helped to shape the county. the west to Dunglass in the east. Much of RIGHT: common blue butterfly the route follows the coast, but at various This leaflet may be available in large print, audio and BACKGROUND: fidra island points the path comes inland through community languages on request. Please contact 01620 farmland. 827199 or www.eastlothian.gov.uk Landscape Towns and villages geology history East Lothian has a richly varied landscape, from The John Muir Way and John Muir Link connect Many fascinating geological features can be seen Discover East Lothian’s colourful history along the coastline featuring sandy beaches, cliffs many towns and villages, giving the visitor along these East Lothian coastal paths. These the John Muir Way, from Musselburgh’s Roman and dunes, through rolling lowland shaped by the chance to visit shops, cafes, harbours and range from the volcanic remains of the Bass Rock Bridge to the ruined Dunbar castle, once a refuge agriculture to the backdrop of the Lammermuir historic buildings. Most of the towns are well and North Berwick Law, to the cliffs at Dunbar for Mary Queen of Scots. Explore the industrial Hills. These paths also pass by rivers, woodland served by public transport allowing you to and the sandstone arches at Bilsdean. Take time to heritage of the Prestonpans area, famous for its and waterfalls. return to your start point. explore the wealth of geology around Barns Ness. salt pans, and the many harbours along the Way, once thriving fishing ports.
VIEW FROM CLIFF TOP TRAIL, DUNBAR DUNBAR HARBOUR sandstone arches near bilsdean PRESTONGRANGE MINING MUSEUM wildlife For more detailed information about the East Lothian provides habitats for a wide range John Muir Way in East Lothian and the John of wildlife. Coastal areas are ideal for viewing Muir Link, please see the seabirds such as gannets, terns and curlew. other leaflets that cover Inland, the hedgerows offer food and shelter to the sections: Fisherrow many smaller birds. Brown hares and roe deer to Cockenzie, Cockenzie are common sights in the fields and woodland to Aberlady, Aberlady edges. If you are lucky you may even spot an to North Berwick, North otter or kingfisher along the riverbanks. Berwick to Dunbar and the John Muir Link.
GANNETS John Muir Link