Yellowcraig Beach
East Lothian
Yellowcraig Beach sits in a sheltered bay on the East Lothian coast, combining golden sand with grassy dunes and views across the Firth of Forth to Fidra Island — said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. The beach has a well-managed, family-friendly character with a barbecue area and nature trail in the woodland behind, but the sand itself is spacious and natural-feeling. The sheltered aspect and dune-backed setting give it a more contained feel than the exposed East Lothian beaches further along the coast.\n\nDogs are welcome off-lead year-round on this versatile dog friendly beach, and the combination of sand, grass, and dune terrain provides varied walking within a compact area. The sheltered bay means calm conditions at virtually all tide states, and the woodland behind the beach adds shaded walking and rich scenting opportunities. Clear sightlines across the beach make it easy to keep track of dogs, and the proximity to the car park means this works well for shorter visits as well as longer outings. A reliable, well-rounded East Lothian option that delivers consistently good beach time.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Beach Type
- Sand, Dunes
- Tide Notes
- Good at all tide states; dunes provide shelter
- Facilities
- Toilets; picnic areas; good car park
- Parking
- East Lothian Council car park at Yellowcraig - small charge
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yellowcraig Beach dog friendly?
Yellowcraig Beach is extremely dog friendly, earning a 9/10 rating in our directory. Dogs are welcome off-lead, and the mix of sand, grass, and dunes gives them plenty of varied terrain to explore. Clear sightlines across the beach make it easy to keep an eye on your dog, and the sheltered bay means calm conditions whatever the tide is doing.
Are dogs allowed at Yellowcraig Beach year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome off-lead at Yellowcraig Beach throughout the entire year with no seasonal restrictions. This makes it a reliable choice for East Lothian dog walks whatever the time of year.
What should I know before visiting Yellowcraig Beach with my dog?
There's a paid car park run by East Lothian Council right by the beach, so access is straightforward, and toilets and picnic areas are on site. Beyond the beach itself, there's a woodland area behind the dunes that offers shaded walking and great scenting opportunities for dogs. The bay is naturally sheltered, so it suits dogs who prefer calmer water, and the compact layout means it works well for a quick visit as well as a longer outing.
What’s Nearby?
Beach0.9 mi awayGullane Beach
East Lothian
A vast award-winning sandy beach with extensive dunes near the golf village of Gullane, with year-round unrestricted dog access and stunning views across the Firth of Forth to Fife.
Beach3.8 mi awayNorth Berwick West Beach
East Lothian
North Berwick's larger beach facing the Firth of Forth, with year-round unrestricted dog access and the excellent facilities of a charming East Lothian seaside town including the Scottish Seabird Centre nearby.
Beach4.2 mi awayNorth Berwick East Beach
East Lothian
North Berwick's sheltered eastern bay with direct views of Bass Rock's gannet colony, year-round unrestricted dog access and the Scottish Seabird Centre immediately above.
Beach5.5 mi awayLongniddry Bents
East Lothian
A series of sandy beaches backed by dune woodland near Longniddry with year-round unrestricted dog access, popular with windsurfers and dog walkers on the East Lothian coast.
Beach7 mi awaySeacliff Beach
East Lothian
A hidden gem of a cove with the UK's tiniest harbour, views of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock, accessed via a private toll road, with year-round dog access and an intimate, atmospheric character.
Beach10.4 mi awayElie Beach
Fife
A beautiful sandy beach at charming Elie village with year-round dog access, the iconic Ship Inn overlooking the sand and the possibility of stumbling upon a cricket match at low tide.
