Prestongrange To Aberlady¶

Walk Metadata¶

Attribute	Value
Difficulty	Low
Distance	14 km
Duration	3.5-4 hrs
Elevation Gain	Minimal
Terrain	Coastal paths, beaches, historic villages
Can be done by public transport	Yes

Getting There¶

Start: Prestongrange Museum, Prestonpans

Train: None
Bus: Lothian Bus 26
Parking: Prestonpans

End: The Old Aberlady Inn, Aberlady

Train: None
Bus: Lothian Bus 124
Parking: Aberlady

Route¶

Section Walked	Distance	Date
Prestongrange to Seton Sands	7 km
Seton Sands to Aberlady	7 km

Description¶

Start outside Prestongrange Museum: We began our walk at the Morrisons Haven bus stop near Prestongrange Museum just outside Prestonpans. This section of the John Muir Way hugs the coast, offering insights into the region’s industrial heritage while providing scenic views across the Firth of Forth. The official route goes through the High Street but because it was low tide, we decided to walk along the seawall, a wonderful way to experience the coastal landscape.
Through Cockenzie and Port Seton Harbours: Continuing along the coast, we passed through the charming fishing villages of Cockenzie and Port Seton. These working harbours feature traditional stone cottages and active fishing boats, showcasing the region’s maritime character and heritage. We enjoyed views of the working waterfront and the distinctive character of these historic villages.

Note: There is a diversion at Cockenzie Power Station.
Seton Sands to Longniddry: Leaving the harbours behind, we walked across stretches of sweeping beaches and rocky shorelines. This section features dune grass, sea buckthorn thickets, and coastal grasslands. The beaches offered expansive views across the Firth of Forth, with opportunities to spot seals and seabirds. If you find it hard to walk on the sands, you can follow the footpath along the coastal road.
Woodland and Dunes toward Aberlady: After crossing the gates of Gosford House – we spotted some seals here – we continued through woodlands past Craigielaw Golf Course to the lovely Aberlady village. This final section showcased the diversity of the coastal landscape.
Arrive at Aberlady: We finished our walk in the picturesque village of Aberlady with its rose-adorned cottages and charming character. The Old Aberlady Inn provided the perfect finishing point for this memorable scenic walk.

We found this to be a wonderfully accessible walk showcasing the Firth of Forth’s coastal character, historic villages, working harbours, and diverse wildlife habitats along one of Scotland’s most scenic coastal sections.

Notes¶

Cafes, Restaurants, Pubs, and Grocery Shops:
- Prestonpans: Lidl supermarket and local cafes
- Longniddry Bents: Alandas fish & chips
- Aberlady: Various cafes and restaurants, including The Old Aberlady Inn and The Old Bakehouse Tearoom.
Public Toilets: Prestonpans Lidl, Longniddry Bents
Attractions:
- Battle of Prestonpans Jacobite Museum (free entry with dioramas and artifacts)
- Prestonpans Mural Trail (Public art murals celebrating local history)
- Cockenzie & Port Seton Harbours (active fishing ports)
- Gosford House (neoclassical mansion in 5,000 acres, seasonal access by advance booking)
- Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (birdwatching venue with viewing deck)
- Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve (wildlife-rich coastal habitat)
Wildlife: Seal and bird sightings are common along the Firth of Forth