Haddington - Garleton Hills - Cottyburn - Haddington
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This route divides into five contrasting sections: a woodland path, a field-path through open country, an old railway track, a riverside path and a town with some attractive buildings and offering several opportunities for refreshment.
Haddington is the county town of East Lothian and was once the fourth largest in Scotland. This walk leaves the town to take a gently rising woodland path onto the lower slopes of the Garleton Hills. It then follows a level footpath through open country, with extensive views south across the valley of the River Tyne to the long blue smudge of the Lammermuir Hills on the southern horizon.
After reaching Blackmains Toll the route takes country lanes past farms and arrives at the car park at Cottyburn. From here one walks along the route of the disused Longniddry to Haddington branch railway, closed in 1968 and now converted into a footpath and cycle track. This pleasant way eventually leads back into Haddington and along the tree-lined banks of the tranquil River Tyne to pass the cathedral-like St Mary's Church and reach the 16th Century Nungate Bridge. The route then returns via High Street to the start.
Scotland - Central Scotland - East Lothian - Countryside
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland