Pressmennan Wood and Lake
East Lothian
Pressmennan Wood is an ancient semi-natural woodland about a mile and a half south of Stenton in East Lothian, wrapped around Pressmennan Lake, one of only four bodies of water in Scotland called a lake rather than a loch. With no livestock here, dogs can enjoy off-lead freedom on most paths, though recall matters with roe deer often about. A network of paths totalling around 6.5km links the wood's two entrances: about 3.7km on firm forest road, the rest on narrower grass and earth that can be muddy and, in places, steep. A 2km surfaced section connects the entrances for an easier option, and a sculpture trail adds carved features among the mature broadleaf and conifer trees. Roe deer, otters, bats and woodpeckers are all recorded here, and the mix of species gives good colour in spring and autumn.
This dog friendly walk has good off-lead potential, since Pressmennan carries no farm livestock and the paths are quiet away from the small car park. Roe deer live in the wood, so recall matters if you want to let your dog range, and the ground can be narrow, steep and muddy away from the surfaced sections, which suits a dog happy off the beaten path. The lake runs alongside much of the walk and gives a pleasant water view, though check the bank before letting a dog swim given the site's conservation value. There is a free car park with 8 spaces and picnic tables, but no toilets on site, so use those in Dunbar, East Linton, Garvald or Gifford beforehand.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Picnic tables and benches; no toilets on site, nearest in Dunbar, East Linton, Garvald or Gifford.
- Parking
- Pressmennan Wood car park (8 spaces), Woodland Trust Scotland, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Pressmennan Wood and Lake, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Byre At Brothershiels
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £673 / 7 nights
Green Cottage - Swinton
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £839 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pressmennan Wood and Lake dog friendly?
Yes, and it scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The Woodland Trust site has no farm livestock, the paths through ancient woodland are quiet, and there is a lake alongside much of the route. The main caveats are the lack of toilets on site and some narrow, muddy or steep sections away from the surfaced path, so it suits a dog that does not mind rougher going.
Can dogs be off lead at Pressmennan Wood and Lake?
Yes, there is good off-lead potential since the wood has no farm livestock and the paths are generally quiet. Roe deer live on site, so a dog needs reliable recall before running free, and it is worth keeping a closer eye near the lake, which has conservation value, and on the narrower, steeper sections away from the surfaced path.
What should I know before visiting Pressmennan Wood and Lake with my dog?
The path network totals around 6.5km, with about 3.7km on firm forest road and the rest on grass and earth that can be muddy and steep in places, so allow a couple of hours for the fuller loop. There is a free 8-space car park with picnic tables and benches, but no toilets on site, so use those in Dunbar, East Linton, Garvald or Gifford first. Roe deer are present, so keep recall in mind.
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