East Lothian coast walk

Willie Bell

25 May 2022

Sue, Sheila, Denise, Marion, Jim, Alex, John and Willie met at Dirleton on a fine morning.

Marion and Jim had arrived early, and were already sampling the coffee at The Castle Inn.

I had to admit to forgetting my map, albeit Denise had her paper OS map and Active Outdoors app - you can tell an experienced walker.

We headed north from the lovely conservation village to the coast via the John Muir Way(JMW) and then down to the beach at Yellowcraigs. It was a tad windy, but this helped to keep the clouds moving and we had minimal drizzle. The views east to the Bass rock and west to Fidra lighthouse and beyond were superb.

First lunch aka coffee break was held at a new memorial that’s just been built.

It features an aeroplane propellor, but no plaque has been mounted yet so we were unsure of it’s significance - answers on a post card please.

Alex Taylor adds: “A bit of research on the internet shows that the cone shaped monument on Eyebroughy beach was erected in memory of the 15th Duke of Hamilton who died in 2010. There is a tube through the cone which focuses exactly on Fidra."

We headed past the huge new mansions at Archerfield Golf Course “too big, too many trees” was some of the comments - but I don’t think any of us would have said “no” if offered one free for a holiday break.

As we approached Gullane, I overshot the path. With Denise and John’s help we found the path up through the woods into Gullane, to rejoin the JMW. A short walk on the pavement, then followed a nice walk through the woods, where a couple of falling trees made good seats for lunch no. 2. The final section was a short walk back to Dirleton, to complete the circular route of c. 7.5 miles.

Sue, John and Alex had to head off, while the remainder of us headed to The Castle Inn for coffee/tea and shortbread.

June Walk

Jim has volunteered to arrange our June walk.

Regards
Willie