Itinerary 3


Treasures of the Tyne Start your day in the historic market town of Haddington with a visit to the tranquil oasis of St Mary’s Church and a walk along the River Tyne. Journey along the Tyne to Hailes Castle, nestled by the banks of the river, or scale the distinctive whaleback hill of Traprain Law. Travel into the village of East Linton and visit Preston Mill. Finally, make your way to the village of Athelstaneford and discover how clouds gave rise to Scotland’s flag.


Haddington, St Mary’s Church


and the River Tyne From Edinburgh, take the A1 to Haddington, leaving at the Oak Tree junction. Follow this road into the town. From Market Street in the centre of town, take a right turn at the crossroads, travel along Sidegate, and take the first left into Church Street, where there is parking. Walk along The Sands, past the Peter Potter Gallery, towards the Nungate Bridge on your left and Lady Kitty’s Doocot on your right; continue ahead towards St. Mary’s Church with the River Tyne to your left. After a visit to St Mary’s, walk out of the kirkyard along the path which runs between the River Tyne to your left and the mill lade to your right. Follow the path for as far as you like, enjoying the tranquillity and the wildlife.


Hailes Castle or Traprain Law


From Church Street, turn right and take another right at the traffic lights to leave Haddington, travelling over the Victoria Bridge. Head out along this pretty road past the golf course, through Stevenson Wood towards Hailes Castle. After 5 miles, with Traprain Law rising ahead of you (if you’re feeling energetic, why not climb it?), there is a small road to the left, sign posted for Hailes Castle. Follow this road for 2 miles, looking out for farm vehicles over the blind summits of this twisty track, and being prepared to pull into the side to let other vehicles pass. The turning for Hailes Castle is to the left in a dip in the road.


Preston Mill, East Linton


Continue on the road from Hailes Castle, and after it bends to the left between houses, go ahead over the staggered junction, towards East Linton. Follow the road (Lauder Place) into the village, and under the railway bridge turn left, taking the right turn just before the next railway bridge. Travel through the village and take the right turn, sign posted for Smeaton (B1407). Preston Mill is 0.5 miles along this road on the right.


Flag Heritage Centre


From East Linton, take the A199 towards Haddington, up the steep hill of Pencraig, with Traprain Law to your left. After 4 miles, take a right turn onto the B1347 (signposted for the Museum of Flight). There is a left turn onto a small road, signposted for Athelstaneford and the Flag Heritage Centre. Drive through the village and to the parish church and the Flag Heritage Centre, which are on the right.


Return to Edinburgh


Continue out of the village on the B1343. After about 1 mile there is a ‘T’ junction. Turn left, signposted to Haddington, and continue up and over the Garleton Hills. After a mile you will reach a roundabout; take the third exit signposted Haddington. This leads immediately to a second roundabout. Again, take the third exit, signposted to Edinburgh and the A1.


Walk This Way….


East Lothian offers a great variety of landscapes for walking. Many of the paths go to, or pass vantage points offering views of the surrounding rolling landscape. Amongst the features are many hidden gems - river valleys, woodland, secret bays and historic sites. The John Muir Way is almost 73km from Edinburgh to the Borders, although the route can be broken down into shorter sections, with opportunities to link into other paths and circular walks along the coast. The John Muir Way is part of the transnational North Sea Trail, which aims to link footpaths and sites around the coast of seven countries bordering the North Sea. There are also good walking routes in the Lammermuir Hills. Find out more about the John Muir Way, walking in the Lammermuir Hills and the North Sea Trail at www.visiteastlothian. org/activities-walking.asp


On Your Bike…


East Lothian is a wonderful county for cycling. The area is relatively compact and not too hilly, so it’s easy to visit several places of interest in one day. The towns and villages provide lots of chances to stop off and refuel! www.visiteastlothian.org/activities-cycling.asp


Itinerary 4


Coast and Countryside Head further afield to see the spectacular sites at St Abb’s Head, one of our National Nature Reserves, with dramatic views of the Berwickshire coastline, and a chance to see puffins and seals. Enjoy the scenic road back along the coast, stopping off in the picturesque fishing village of Dunbar, Birthplace of John Muir, father of the US National Parks. Learn about the life and work of this remarkable man, then walk down to Dunbar Castle in the old harbour and in summer, listen out for the noisy kittiwake colony. Look out for seals in the harbour!


St Abb’s Head


Take the A1 east, signposted to Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Turn left on the B6438 to St Abbs. Turn left into Coldingham, and then take the first right to St Abbs. After 1.5 miles, branch left, following the brown signs for St Abb’s Nature Reserve.


John Muir’s Birthplace, Dunbar


Return along B6438 to Coldingham. Turn right on the A1107 to Edinburgh and follow the signs back to the A1. Filter right onto the A1087 to Dunbar, following the East Lothian Coastal Trail. Follow signs to the Leisure Pool to park, and head down the hill to discover the historic harbour. John Muir’s birthplace is in the High Street.


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