Shoreline geology walk to Canty Bay

Take a walk through deep time along North Berwick’s East Beach and stand in the crater of a collapsed volcanic vent before walking along the coast toward Canty Bay, historic site of the annual gannet harvest that saw gannets by the thousand plucked, boiled and cooked for market.

There are tales of derring do along the way as you look across to the Bass Rock with its historic battles and moments around which Scottish history hinges.

The landscape has all been sculpted by the ice age and the shoreline abounds with interesting geologic features, creating the picturesque scenery for what promises to be a dramatic and often windswept walk.

Be prepared to walk over rough and steep terrain as there are rocks and hills along the way with sandy beaches and clambering to be done.

More information

You’ll need to be relatively fit for this walk as there are both sandy and rocky beach sections coupled with short steep hills to clamber up and down. Should the weather be wet these uphill sections may well be muddy so sturdy footwear is recommended.

The walk is suitable for well behaved dogs that are kept on the lead (we are covering areas with ground-nesting birds and are next to the Glen Golf Course at times).

The walk is likely to best suit adults but outdoorsy, interested children are welcome to come along too.

There are toilet facilities at the start of the walk in the Scottish Seabird Centre and at North Berwick Harbour. Toilets are available at Drift Cafe near Canty Bay, however, they are only available if you are purchasing food. Dogs are not accepted at Drift so anyone with a dog would need to remain outside.

At the start of the walk, the Seabird Centre and The Rocketeer both offer takeaway menu options, while Drift Cafe is available for sit-in and takeaway options at the walk’s end point.

What to bring

Water, snacks, packed lunch, sturdy footwear, waterproof jacket, warm extra layer, walking pole(s).