Gullane Bents and Aberlady Bay Coastal Loop
Edinburgh
Gullane Bents and Aberlady Bay is a dog friendly coastal walk along one of East Lothian's finest stretches of coastline. The route follows sandy beaches and dune paths from Gullane Bents car park, looping through the Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve before returning inland through the village of Gullane.
Dogs are welcome on the beaches and dune sections, but are not permitted within the Aberlady Bay nature reserve itself due to its status as a protected site for ground nesting birds. This means dogs must be kept on lead or diverted around the reserve boundary during the walk. The beach sections are fantastic for off lead running on quieter days. Parking is at the pay and display car park at Gullane Bents, which has toilets. The terrain is mostly flat sandy paths and beach walking, making it accessible for all fitness levels.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.7 km (5.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Toilets at Gullane Bents car park; cafes and shops in Gullane village.
- Parking
- Pay and display car park at Gullane Bents, signed from the main road through the village.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gullane Bents and Aberlady Bay Coastal Loop dog friendly?
Gullane Bents and Aberlady Bay is a dog friendly coastal walk, rated 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. Dogs are welcome on the beaches and dune sections, though there are some restrictions to be aware of around the Aberlady Bay nature reserve portion of the route.
Can dogs be off lead at Gullane Bents and Aberlady Bay Coastal Loop?
The sandy beach sections are great for off lead runs, particularly on quieter days. However, dogs are not permitted within the Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve itself, which is a protected site for ground nesting birds, so you'll need to keep dogs on lead or take the diversion around the reserve boundary for that part of the loop.
What should I know before visiting Gullane Bents and Aberlady Bay Coastal Loop with my dog?
The most important thing to be aware of is that dogs are not allowed inside the Aberlady Bay nature reserve section, so plan to divert around the reserve boundary with your dog on lead. Parking is at the pay and display car park at Gullane Bents, which also has toilets, and there are cafes and shops in Gullane village if you need to stock up before or after the walk. The terrain is mostly flat sandy paths and beach, making it a manageable route for most dogs and owners.
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