Musselburgh, East Lothian
★★
For anyone with time to spare around the so-called Honest Town of Musselburgh, this part-urban, part-rural walk is an excellent way to fill it. Our 7 mile circuit takes in many of the town’s highlights – the beach, riverside and Main Street – with Newhailes and Inveresk Lodge Garden just a few minutes off route. If there’s a downside, it has to be the monotonous stretches surrounding Queen Margaret University, with the attractive campus pond providing a welcome break.
Chronological photo guide
Fisherrow Harbour 
Fisherrow Sands 
River Esk 
Musselburgh High Street 
River Esk 
River Esk 
River Esk 
River Esk 
River Esk 
Bridge over the River Esk 
The Honest Toun 
Entering Queen Margaret University campus 
Queen Margaret University 
Swan & cygnets 
Queen Margaret University 
Newcraighall 
Brunstane Road 
Brunstane Burn 
Return along Fisherrow Sands
Location
O.S. Grid Reference: NT 334729
GPS coordinates: 55.944875,-3.067346
Edinburgh Road (A199) |
Musselburgh (1 mi) |
Car park
Key info
12 km / 7 mi | ▲ 50 m |
2.5-3 hr
Features:
Fisherrow Sands ★★ & harbour;
Musselburgh ★;
River Esk;
Queen Margaret University;
⬤ Easy | Level paths, mostly tarmac, with sandy beach to finish.
Clockwise circuit: start & Fisherrow Sands – mouth of River Esk – Musselburgh – River Esk east bank until footbridge after railway line – Queen Margaret University – Newcraighall – Brunstane Burn – start
On our last visit
Wildlife: Varied riverside, woodland and coastal birds; small fish in the River Esk.
Weather: Sunny but with a cool onshore breeze, temperature in high teens.
May 2020
