Driving Routes
These East Lothian Driving Routes will provide you with a unique insight into the area's fascinating history and heritage and bring you right up to date with modern East Lothian.
There are three routes to choose from and if you have time we'd recommend doing all three!
Each route has stopping points with interpretation boards which link to further information on things to see and do in the surrounding area.
Follow The Saltire Trail and delve into Scotland's rich history, heritage and culture. Choose The Coastal Trail and enjoy spectacular scenery, varied wildlife and top attractions. Meander along The Hillfoots Trail through glorious countryside and traditional villages and take in panoramic views.
Please respect other road users when following the routes - Love East Lothian Responsibly!
There are three routes to choose from and if you have time we'd recommend doing all three!
Each route has stopping points with interpretation boards which link to further information on things to see and do in the surrounding area.
Follow The Saltire Trail and delve into Scotland's rich history, heritage and culture. Choose The Coastal Trail and enjoy spectacular scenery, varied wildlife and top attractions. Meander along The Hillfoots Trail through glorious countryside and traditional villages and take in panoramic views.
Please respect other road users when following the routes - Love East Lothian Responsibly!
The SALTIRE TRAIL
Choose this route for - history, heritage & culture!
Length: 31miles
Locations: Bilsdean / Dunbar / East Linton / Haddington / Tranent / Musselburgh
Length: 31miles
Locations: Bilsdean / Dunbar / East Linton / Haddington / Tranent / Musselburgh
East Lothian has played a key part in Scotland's history. Many friends and foes have journeyed through the county and generations of people have worked the land here in the 'breadbasket for Scotland'. Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot are attractive reminders of agriculture in days gone by.
The rich soil brought prosperity and many landowners built fine new homes - or extended older fortified houses such as Lennoxlove. The elegant buildings in the 'capital' of Haddington are testimony to a town whose corn market was one of the busiest in Scotland.
East Lothian's climate is dry and sunny but, before the battle of Athelstaneford in the 9th century, a pattern of clouds in the sky made history. They formed a St. Andrew's cross and gave Scotland it's Saltire flag.
The latest piece of history along the Trail is the arrival of a Concorde at the Museum of Flight at East Fortune, an airfield that saw the huge R34 airship take off for the USA in 1919 and is now home to a fascinating collection of flying machines.
THE Coastal TRAIL
choose this route for - cliffs, beaches, wildlife spotting and historical attractions!
Length: 37miles
Locations: Bilsdean / Dunbar / Tyninghame / Whitekirk / North Berwick / Dirleton / Gullane / Aberlady / Longniddry / Prestonpans / Musselburgh
Length: 37miles
Locations: Bilsdean / Dunbar / Tyninghame / Whitekirk / North Berwick / Dirleton / Gullane / Aberlady / Longniddry / Prestonpans / Musselburgh
Millions of years ago today's landscape was being created. Molten rock erupted and left the remains of two volcanoes - North Berwick Law and the Bass Rock.
Today's scenery is more peaceful - apart from the herring gulls that can be heard overhead! They are just some of the thousands of seabirds that make this coastline special. Visit the Scottish Seabird Centre to find out about gannets, fulmars, puffins, kittiwakes and many more.
Along the coast, where harbours are full of pleasure craft, working fishing boats still land their catches. In days gone by coal was exported from Port Seton and horse dung imported from Edinburgh at Aberlady!
There were times of turmoil when Tantallon Castle defended the Firth of Forth, Dunbar Castle defied siege and Dirleton Castle fell to marauding troops. Mansions like Gosford House tell a less violent story while ancient churches - like Whitekirk - have seen it all go by.
Nowadays, the seashores draw families to the coastal towns of Gullane, North Berwick, and Dunbar. The many sandy 'links' attract golfers hoping for a perfect round and racegoers in search of a lucky wager head to Musselburgh.
THE HillFoots TRAIL
choose this route for - hills, countryside, wildlife, quaint villages & panoramic views!
Length: 35 miles
Locations: Bilsdean / Stenton /Garvald / Gifford / East Saltoun / Pencaitland / Ormiston / Tranent / Musselburgh
Length: 35 miles
Locations: Bilsdean / Stenton /Garvald / Gifford / East Saltoun / Pencaitland / Ormiston / Tranent / Musselburgh
The Lammermuir Hills, which guard East Lothian's southern flank, provided look-out points for ancient people at places like White Castle and Traprain Law. Later settlers, living in what was once part of Northumbria, lived in small farming communities or 'touns' whose names live on in places like Milton Newton and Bolton.
There are still remnants of the wildlife-rich woodlands that once grew on the slopes such as Pressmennan Wood with its walking trails. The hills have also given up a part of themselves; stone from Rattlebags Quarry built the houses of Garvald and many fine buildings elsewhere.
But it's the hillfoot villages along the Trail that add so much to the character of the area. They are all very different, well-separated, and some are even 'planned' where landlords built new settlements like Tyninghame or Ormiston.
Many have distinctive churches such as those at Gifford and West Saltoun. Pencaitland Church, with its three sundials, dates from the 12th century. In contrast, the modern Nunraw Abbey was built between 1952 and 1969.
Scotland's best kept secret
East Lothian offers the best of Scotland with over 40 miles of magnificent coastline, golden beaches, rolling countryside, award-winning attractions, excellent food & drink, and the world’s finest links golf courses.
Positioned on the east coast of Scotland and close to Edinburgh, East Lothian’s prime location is easily accessed by road.
East Lothian offers the best of Scotland with over 40 miles of magnificent coastline, golden beaches, rolling countryside, award-winning attractions, excellent food & drink, and the world’s finest links golf courses.
Positioned on the east coast of Scotland and close to Edinburgh, East Lothian’s prime location is easily accessed by road.