Leith To Aberlady

Walk Metadata

Attribute

Value

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

28.6 km

Duration

6.5 - 7.5 hours

Elevation Gain

80 m

Terrain

Coastal path, sandy beaches, rocky sections, urban walkways

Accessibility

Some uneven terrain; generally suitable for determined walkers

Can be done by public transport

Yes

Getting There

Start: Leith, Edinburgh

  • Train: Edinburgh Waverley

  • Bus: Multiple services to Leith from Edinburgh city centre

  • Parking: Permit parking, so best avoided

End: Aberlady, East Lothian

  • Train: None (nearest is Drem or North Berwick station)

  • Bus: X5 or 124 from Aberlady back to Edinburgh

Route

Section Walked

Distance

Date

Leith to Joppa

6.6 km

Various dates

Joppa to Prestonpans

9 km

Various dates

Prestonpans to Aberlady

13 km

26/7/2025

Highlights

  • Leith waterfront with historic docks and modern development

  • Portobello beach and promenade

  • Musselburgh’s iconic bridge and river estuary

  • Prestonpans colliery heritage and coastal views

  • Aberlady Bay and nature reserve (excellent for birdwatching)

  • Varied coastal landscape with sandy and rocky sections

Notes

  • Tide Considerations: Some sections are best walked at lower tides; check tide times for your planned walking dates

  • Facilities: Cafés and shops in Leith, Portobello, Musselburgh, Prestonpans, and Aberlady. Some of our favourites are:

    • Tanifiki, Rising Tide, Miro's, Beach House, Civerinos, Pronto, and Shrimpwreck in Portobello. If you are walking on the weekend, get sandwiches from Aemilia.

    • The Old Bakehouse Tearoom for cakes and scones (summer only). Old Aberlady Inn does good food.

  • Public Toilets: Available at Ocean Terminal, Portobello Bath Street, Musselburgh High Street, and Prestonpans Lidl.

  • Best Time: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather; summer for longer daylight hours

  • Weather: Coastal winds can be strong; prepare accordingly

Notes from Experience

  • Some sections walked as part of the John Muir Way

  • Read the walk report and see photos from the Prestonpans to Aberlady section on our two-together blog