Outdoor Activities in East Lothian
With winter, officially over and a sea of daffodils announcing the arrival of spring, it’s natural for us to want to spend more time outdoors in the pursuit of fresh air and some long overdue daylight.
In this blog, we’re going to look at some of the diverse outdoor activities you can try in East Lothian. We’ll check out options suitable for all ages and abilities, ranging from woodland fairy trails to riding on the crest of a wave.
Outdoor activities for children
The woodland fairy trail at Archerfield Walled Garden is a lovely way to enjoy some gentle outdoor activity with younger children. They’ll adore exploring the trail, looking for tiny fairy houses in the trees. If you visit don’t forget to make a wish and tie it to the wishing tree.
Older children will love Foxlake Adventures near Dunbar. There’s cable wakeboarding, a rope based assault course, off-road Segway treks and more to choose from. They’ll have so much fun they probably won’t even miss their iPads.
Outdoor activities for all the family
If you have a good pair of sea legs, a boat trip from the Seabird Centre in North Berwick to the Bass Rock or Isle of May is a must. There’s a fast-moving rib ride for thrill seekers or a catamaran sailing for a more sedate crossing. If you’re lucky you might even spot some puffins.
Prefer to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground? Castle exploring could be for you. East Lothian boasts some of Scotland’s finest medieval ruins. Within a short distance of each other you’ll find Dirleton, Hailes and Tantallon Castles. These impressive medieval fortresses also make idyllic picnic spots, so don’t forget to take some sandwiches.
Outdoor activities for the thrill seeker
Ever wished you could fly? You’re in luck, as you can take to the skies with East of Scotland Microlights who are based at East Fortune Airfield near North Berwick. You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful East Lothian countryside from a completely new perfective. A good head for heights is a must for this adventurous outdoor activity.
Water babies can have a go at surfing and paddle boarding at Dunbar’s Coast to Coast Surf School - enjoy that Bondai Beach experience without having to worry about sharks! It’s a great way to build confidence in the water and improve your core strength.
Outdoor activities for nature and animal lovers
Miles of open countryside, long sandy beaches and quiet country roads make East Lothian perfect for pony trekking. There are several riding centres in the region offering everything from lessons for beginners, through to beach treks for experienced riders. The Harelaw Equestrian Centre is ideally located on the extensive Gosford Estate. They make full use of the estate’s woodland trails and off-road tracks for trekking.
Aberlady Local Nature Reserve is a wonderful place for bird spotting. The salt marsh, low water and sand dunes found there provide a diverse natural habitat for many bird species. If you’re unable to tell the difference between a Pink-Footed Goose and a Lapwing, then the extensive trails within the nature reserve also make for a nice walk.
If you want to find out more about the local birdlife, be sure to visit the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club HQ at Waterstone House nearby.
East Lothian’s most famous outdoor activity
East Lothian isn’t known as Scotland’s Golf Coast for nothing. Golf is everywhere you look, from the numerous courses in the region, to golf shops and golf themed hotels and bars. There’s no denying that East Lothian loves golf. With gorgeous coastal views, rolling countryside and lots of mild, blue sky days, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a round of golf or two.
With the Easter holiday’s fast approaching, we hope this blog will inspire you to enjoy an East Lothian outdoor adventure of your own.
Samantha Grant, March 2017
Scotland with the Wee White Dug
