August 29 to September 7 2025

Walking routes

Crossgatehall to Ormiston railway walk

Fa’side

Start : Crossgatehall car park

End : Ormiston main street

Length : 5 km / 3 miles

Gentle, level walk on an excellent path

A gentle, level walk on an excellent path through diverse environments along the Pencaitland Railway Walk.

Starting from the small car park at Crossgatehall, walk the three miles through this area’s mining history, natural wetlands and woodland into the village of Ormiston, clearly marked as a turn-off from the main walkway. There you can find refreshments in the main street before retracing your steps.

If you have the energy, take the marked side trip up to Elphinstone, rejoining the Railway Walk via a marked path at the opposite end of the village. You will be rewarded with some lovely views and the opportunity to explore one of East Lothian’s hidden graveyards!

Note that the path from Elphinstone has a number of shallow steps.

Facilities

Food and shops in the main street at Ormiston.

Walkability

Level walk on the Pencaitland Railway Path.

Getting there

East Coast buses runs a regular service to Ormiston and Crossgatehall, while Prentice of Haddington operates to Elphinstone.