Walk: Whelks, clams & brittlestars – Dirleton & Gullane coastal

📌 Dirleton, East Lothian
★★★

The coastline west of Yellowcraig Beach is one of the quieter spots on the East Lothian coastline, but deserves exploration; some of the highlights include deserted sand, historic caves and views out out to the island of Fidra with its spectacular natural arch. Civilisation is rejoined at Gullane village, where you can stop for refreshment before completing the circuit via the John Muir Way. The route starts and finishes in Dirleton, with its fascinating ruined castle.

📷 Chronological photo guide

🌍 Location

📌 Start / finish on Dirleton Road (B1345) in Dirleton village centre. Alternative start points at Yellowcraig Beach, Gullane Bay or Gullane village

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 514839

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.045281,-2.780946

🚌 Bus to Dirleton

🚗 Car park

📝 Key info

▶ 12 km / 7 mi | ▲ 80 m | ⌛ 3.5-4 hr

Features: 🏠 Dirleton; Dirleton Castle ★★★★; 🌊 Yellowcraig to Gullane coastline; 🕸 Hanging Rocks caves; ⛪ St Patrick’s Chapel; 🏖️ Gullane Bay ★★★; 🏠 Gullane

⬤ Moderate | Clear tracks, paths, minor roads & pavements for inland part. Coastal section mostly on rough paths or sandy beaches, some slippery rocks (tidal sections have inland alternatives – behind the cliffs for Hanging Rocks section).

➡️ Anticlockwise circuit: start – Yellowcraig Beach via John Muir Way – follow coast path west – Hanging Rocks caves – St Patrick’s Chapel – Gullane Bay – Gullane – start via John Muir Way

Download file for GPS

🥾 On our last visit

Wildlife: Coastal section: birds (redshanks, oystercatchers, shags, herons) feasting on clams & whelks, mallard ducks, shags. Hundreds of stranded brittlestars at West Links. Inland section: crows, rooks in large rookeries.

Weather: 7°C, mostly sunny, light winds.

November 2022