The rolling countryside of East Lothian
This little corner of Scotland is the place we call home and is one of the most diverse and beautiful regions in the UK. Officially recognised as the sunniest place in the country and unofficially known as Scotland’s Riviera, East Lothian offers a number of pleasant surprises to the unsuspecting visitor. Although well known for its many golf courses, including the British Open Championship courses at Muirfield and Musselburgh, there is much more to explore here.
This tour starts in the pretty seaside town of North Berwick (not to be confused with Berwick-Upon-Tweed) and travels along the magnificent coastline, visiting well-preserved castles and deserted beaches. We also journey inland along peaceful countryside lanes, taking in tranquil villages and allowing an insight into the lifestyle of locals in this rural area.
East Lothian Escape Tour Itinerary (ELT01) – Easy
Day 1 – North Berwick to East Linton (12 miles)
Whitekirk Churchyard - a nice spot for a stop
Starting from the picturesque seaside town of North Berwick, we skirt the coast, always keeping the bird haven of the Bass Rock in view. We come across some stunning deserted beaches, perfect for bathing (if the weather is right). Guests can also make a slight detour to visit spectacular Tantallon Castle (sight of many important battles and sieges), perched on the crags.
Day 2 – East Linton to Gifford (18 miles)
We leave the village of East Linton behind and head inland, towards the views and serenity of the hills. Although this is the longest day in the saddle, and the hilliest, it is still not overly strenuous. Following a trail in and amongst the foothills, we pass another historic castle and the volcanic plug which is thought to have been Scotland’s capital at one time, Traprain Law. At one stage on today’s ride you can see all the way across the Forth River to Fife and even make out Edinburgh Castle in the distance. A spectacular day’s cycling.
Day 3 – Gifford to Haddington (12 miles)
Today is a slightly easier day in the saddle, as we head away from the hills and back towards the farmland of central East Lothian. We come across the remains of Iron-Age forts and travel through some tranquil villages on our way to the market town of Haddington. This is home to the largest church in Scotland (once burned down by Oliver Cromwell) and has many pretty walks around its perimeter.
Day 4 – Haddington to North Berwick (12 miles)
Lovely quiet roads to ride
The final day’s cycle starts with a bit of a climb, but from there it is all downhill to the coast. On our way we pass Athelstaneford, birthplace of Scotland’s flag and the National Museum of Flight, home to Conchord. We stick to small country lanes, stopping in the village of Dirleton (one of the prettiest in the country) in order to visit its castle before finishing our tour where we started, North Berwick.
Please Note:
This tour can be adapted to become a Moderate trip by adapting the route to an average of 30 miles per day.
Additional Activities
We are able to organise a range of additional activities for you to experience on this tour, these include:
- Golf
- Distillery Tours
- Surfing
- Bass Rock Boat Tours
If you are interested in any of these activities, please mention them when making your booking enquiry.
