Gullane and Aberlady Bay, East Lothian

Start facing the remains of St Andrew's Church on Gullane Main Street. Turn left then right onto West Links Road and continue to its end through a gate beside Gullane No. 1 Golf Course. Bear right and climb steeply west up a grassy hill to the corner of a wall. An obvious path rises north, to the left of the wall, to the summit of Gullane Hill. The outlook is breathtaking, encompassing the Pentland Hills and Edinburgh. Continue across the summit to pick up a track to the right of the 7th tee.

The track descends west. When it splits, keep right and continue to another fork and here go left, signposted for Gullane Point. Keep on to a waymarked path on the right, which proceeds high above the coast towards Hummell Rocks. At a junction, turn right onto a track then, just before a line of Second World War concrete block defences, keep rightand descend a path to a sandy beach at Hummell Rocks. A path runs along the top of the beach, underneath steep dunes, keeping left at a fork to reach Gullane Point. At a junction, go right onto a sandy path that swings left and drops down onto Gullane Sands.

This gorgeous stretch of golden sand heads south, underneath huge dunes, where wonderful views extend along the coast. After nearly 1km, beside a large wooden stake, turn left from the beach and climb over the dunes into Aberlady Local Nature Reserve. Pink-footed geese, wheatear, whitethroat, blackcap, redshank and lapwing may be seen at different times of the year.

A good track heads east then south-east through the reserve. In a while, turn right at a crossroads (signed 'Footpath') and continue south, soon passing through a pocket of woodland. The reserve is eventually left behind via a lovely old wooden bridge to reach the A198. For a break, it is well worth a short stroll into Aberlady.

To continue the walk turn left and follow the John Muir Way beside the A198 for about 1.5km. Just before the entrance to Luffness Links Golf Club, carefully cross the road and go through a gate. Here the John Muir Way continues along a field-edge path through glorious countryside. Nearing Gullane, pass through a gate and keep straight on to Saltcoats Road. Turn left and walk back Gullane Main Street.