John Muir Way from East Linton to Dunbar

Join us on a scenic countryside and coastal walk along this relatively easy and flat 7-mile stretch of the John Muir Way between East Linton and Dunbar. After leaving the picturesque village of East Linton we pass historic Preston Mill, one of Scotland's oldest working water mills. The landscape constantly changes along the route, where open farmland meets the estuarine flats and the coniferous woodland of the John Muir Country Park. The route then emerges on the coast at Belhaven Bay where Traprain Law, Berwick Law, Bass Rock and the Isle of May can all be seen on the horizon. On the approach to Dunbar, the route follows the boundary of Winterfield golf course, the Victorian esplanade and, finally, a rather undulating footpath, all of which are along cliff tops.

The Tyne estuary is a great place to watch waders and wildfowl such as curlew and shelduck. The ruins of Dunbar Castle, located in the town, plays host in the summer to a colony of nesting kittiwakes, and grey seals can often be spotted in the harbour. The route between East Linton and Belhaven Bay is along grassy tracks and surfaced paths. The final stretch of the route between Belhaven Bay and Dunbar harbour includes some steepish slopes and a few sets of steps - the route also runs close to the edge of the cliffs in places, so care must be taken in these areas. The approach to Dunbar along the cliff tops may prove to be rather problematic for anyone who has difficulty with heights. There are several winding sets of steps to negotiate on the approach to the town centre via the final undulating section of the cliff top footpath. There are also a number of footbridges to negotiate to cross the River Tyne at various points on the route. Dogs are welcome on the walk, however they should be kept on a lead during certain parts of the walk e.g. when passing the estuarine flats and also the Winterfield golf course.

Meet at the bus stop at Bridgend in East Linton at 11.30am. First Buses operates the X6 express service from Haymarket, departing at 10.18am and arriving at East Linton at 11.19am. The express X6 and X8 services back to Edinburgh both depart from Dunbar High Street - the bus stop is located outside the Lothian Hotel in Dunbar High Street. For those coming to the meeting point by car, First Buses, Eve Coaches and Perrymans Buses all operate services between Dunbar and East Linton. It is not known if all these service operators require exact fare - we suggest you assume they all do just in case. See the links below for information on these bus operators' services -

First Buses (services (X6 and X8) - https://www.firstgroup... (https://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland/sescot/home/index.php)
Perrymans Buses (service 253) - https://www.perrymansb... (https://www.perrymansbuses.co.uk/)
Eve Coaches (service 120) - https://www.evecoaches... (https://www.evecoaches.co.uk/)

There is also the option to return to Edinburgh by train from Dunbar railway station - see First Scotrail website for more info on train times and ticket prices - https://www.scotrail.c... (https://www.scotrail.co.uk/) .

There are public toilets at the start of the route in East Linton, en route at Belhaven Bay, and also in Dunbar. We will take a short break part-way through the walk, and also again at Belhaven Bay if desired, where there are picnic tables for eating packed lunches. There is a choice of cafes, bars, shops, etc in Dunbar where refreshments can be bought. For those that might be interested - Dunbar is home to the John Muir Birthplace Museum which offers free admission and is open 10am to 5pm on Saturdays - see this link for more information - https://www.jmbt.org.u... (https://www.jmbt.org.uk/content/) .

My mobile number is 0781 3432653.

Walkers are responsible for their own safety, and no member or organizer from the group can be held responsible in case of any mishap. By signing up for this walk you are understood to have agreed to these terms.

The legal bit

•By signing up for this walk you accept that you do so entirely at your own risk

•Whereas the organiser is facilitating this walk, he or she will not be held otherwise or legally responsible for any accidents or other mishaps during this walk. Life in general and particularly outdoor activities are never without risks. This group has no liability insurance and by signing up for this walk you agree that you will make your own risk assessment of the conditions of the terrain and the weather.

•If you have any doubts about your abilities, the weather conditions or the terrain/ground, you must discuss this with the organiser before the start of the walk

•Please advise your fellow walkers as early as possible if you encounter difficulties during a walk. This will enable us to arrange assistance at an early stage.

•An organiser will advise you if in his/her opinion you are not suitably equipped for a walk and may refuse to facilitate the walk for you.

•By clicking 'yes' at the RSVP you accept these conditions in their entirety.