It’s prime time for a weekend beach walk.
Here are seven of our favourite coastal walks near Edinburgh. Each one has its own distinct feel and they’re all easy to reach when you’re in need of a few hours by the sea.
A quick dose of sea air? ✔️
A bag of chips and a wander? ✔️
A full day out? ✔️
These spots have it all… and you might just discover your new favourite place. We certainly have.
1 Tyninghame Beach, East Lothian
Pack a picnic beacause you’ll want to make a day of it. With woodland trails, rockpools, miles of sandy beach and stunning views out to Bass Rock, this one always delivers.
You can wander for hours, whether you’re exploring the shoreline or cutting through the trees on the way in.
There’s limited parking and you may need to wait for a space. But it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re short on time, Seacliff Beach is a great nearby alternative.
2 Portobello Beach, Edinburgh East
Prom, beach, cafés, ice cream, arcades, parks and plenty of food shacks to choose from, Portobello is a great stretch with a seaside ‘resort’ vibe.
You can turn up with zero plans and still have a great few hours, whether that’s a wander along the prom, a paddle in the sea, or settling in with something good to eat (or a takeaway cocktail!).
On hot, sunny days it gets busy (for good reason), so parking can be tricky. Public transport is your best bet.
3 Aberdour, Fife
Just over the bridge in Aberdour, Silver Sands is an absolute beauty – a sheltered, sandy beach with some of the best views back across the water to Arthur’s Seat and the Edinburgh skyline.
On a clear day, it’s hard to beat. And if you’re feeling brave, bring your cossie.
4 Yellowcraig Beach, East Lothian
Yellowcraig is a beautiful stretch of sandy beach surrounded by woodland and grassland, with views out to Fidra sitting just offshore.
It’s a brilliant all-rounder and perfect for a multi-generational family day. The playpark is one of the best around, and there’s plenty of space to spread out, even on busier days.
One you’ll come back to again and again.
5 Cramond, Edinburgh North-West
Cramond is an easy, feel-good walk that works for just about everyone. It’s flat, accessible and great for stretching your legs without overthinking it.
As you’d expect, it is popular with dog walkers, families, cyclists and anyone after a bit of fresh sea air. You can even head out to Cramond Island if you time the tides right.
Finish your walk with an ice cream or hot chocolate.
6 Aberlady Nature Reserve, East Lothian
We absolutely love this walk. Park up just east of Aberlady Bay and head across what’s fondly known as the ‘Footbridge to Enchantment’ into this beautiful local nature reserve.
It’s well known for birdwatching, but keep your eyes peeled – if you’re lucky, you might spot a roe deer along the way. The one-way trail winds through the reserve before opening out onto a vast stretch of golden sands, with sweeping views back towards Edinburgh.
It’s a brilliant one for kids thanks to the sand dunes – even better if you remember to bring a sledge.
Cross the bridge, follow the path and keep going to the dunes… it opens out into something that still feels like a bit of a secret.
7 Longniddry Bents, East Lothian
Beach, rocks and big views across to the Edinburgh skyline, this one has a bit of everything.
It’s a great spot for rockpooling, with plenty to explore along the shoreline, and even if watersports aren’t your thing, it’s a fun place to watch, especially when the kite surfers are out.
On a clear evening, it’s also a brilliant spot to catch the sun setting over the city. And when you’re done, there’s no need to think about dinner. Alandas has you covered.
Not a fan of sand? Then check out our post ‘8 Beautiful walks in Edinburgh at any time of year‘ for some inspiration
