Walk: Haddington to East Linton – frolick along the Tyne

📌 Haddington, East Lothian
★★

This occasionally muddy, riverside ramble in East Lothian links the attractive settlements of Haddington and East Linton. Much of the scenery is undramatic (though perfectly pleasant), but there are a wealth of historic attractions visited by the path along the River Tyne to add a little spice to the outing. A thriving 14th century church is soon followed by a 12th century ruined one – and that’s before you’ve even left Haddington. Later on are a succession of old mills, some slowly falling apart and others converted into houses. Hailes Castle is a real surprise: a substantial, tumbledown residence towering over the opposite bank, which is easily visited by a short detour (included on the route map below). It was also nice to spot a good variety of ducks beyond the ubiquitous mallard – though goosanders don’t seem to like being photographed!

📷 Chronological photo guide

🌍 Location

📌 Start on High Street (A6093), Haddington town centre

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 516739

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.955381,-2.777020

🏁 Finish on Bridge End (B1407), East Linton village centre

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 592771

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.985278,-2.655669

🚌 Bus to Haddington (walk start), & from East Linton (walk finish) | 🚆 East Linton (walk finish)

🚗 Street parking (walk finish) – take the bus to the start (check times in advance)

📝 Key info

▶ 11 km / 7 mi | ▲ 50 m | ⌛ 3-3.5 hr | ⚠️ Linear route

Features: 🏠 Haddington ★★ & town sights; ⛪ St Mary’s Church ★★★ & Nungate Bridge; ⛪ St Martin’s Kirk ★; 💧 River Tyne; 🏰 Hailes Castle ★★★; 🏠 East Linton

⬤ Moderate | Almost entirely riverside paths: surfaced cycle track to Abbey Bridge, then narrower grass or mud path. Minor road section for detour to Hailes Castle.

➡️ Eastbound linear walk: start – Haddington & town sights – St Mary’s Church & Nungate Bridge – St Martin’s Kirk – Abbey Bridge via north bank of River Tyne – Sandy’s Mill – Hailes Castle (view from across river) – out-and-back detour to Hailes Castle via bridge just beyond castle – East Linton & finish

Download file for GPS

🥾 On our last visit

Wildlife: Lots of goosanders and seagulls; other ducks, swans and cygnets, dippers, sheep, ripe elderberries.

Weather: Plenty of sunshine between cloud banks, moderate wind, temperature in low teens.

October 2017