5 Reasons to Walk the Berwickshire Coastal Path
This year we launched our shortest walking trail yet: the 39 mile long Berwickshire Coastal Path. But size isn’t everything! What the trail lacks in length, it more than makes up for in other ways.
I made the short journey from Edinburgh to find out more. With only a few short days to prove itself, the trail certainly didn’t disappoint, showcasing some of Britain’s finest coastal scenery.
Here’s a rundown of why you should experience it for yourself …
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Dramatic Coastline
The trail takes in some jaw-dropping sections of Scotland’s coastline. At St Abbs Head, some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain drop hundreds of feet into the surf below – thankfully a safe distance from the trail.
The sea arches at Pettico Wick, the quiet beach at Coldingham Sands, and the concealed quay at Cove Harbour make for a coastline which demands to be photographed.
The hidden coves dotted along the coast made the area a haven for smuggling, and the town of Eyemouth was once crisscrossed by a network of underground alleys used to smuggle tea, wine, and gin.
Everyone was at it – even local aristocrat John Nisbet who was a merchant by day and smuggler by night. He lived at Gunsgreen House overlooking Eyemouth Harbour – now a superb museum where you can learn about the area’s fascinating history.
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Remote but Accessible
Unlike many walking trails in Scotland, the Berwickshire Coastal Path doesn’t require much travel. Hop on a train from Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, and you’ll arrive at the start of the trail at Dunbar before the drinks trolley has made it down the aisle.
And yet, there’s a great feeling of remoteness along this trail which you’ll often have completely to yourself. On my walk, I went for hours on end without seeing another soul – bliss!
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A Good First Trail
For those with less experience of long-distance walking, this relatively easy trail makes a perfect first venture into the addictive world of long-distance walking. The route only requires 3 or 4 days of walking and involves only a modest amount of ascent.
Being a coastal walk, I certainly never found the navigation to be tricky – just keep the sea on your left!
The Missing Link
The Berwickshire Coastal Path can easily be combined with another trail to extend your walking holiday. From the end of the trail at Berwick-upon-Tweed, you could continue south on the Northumberland Coast Path to discover the sandy beaches and wonderful castles of northeast England.
Or why not continue from Dunbar onto the John Muir Way to discover one of Scotland’s newest and most varied long-distance walking trails?
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Picturesque Fishing Villages
On top of its natural beauty, this coastline is dotted with bustling, charming fishing villages. Colourful fishing boats are packed into busy quays at St Abbs and Eyemouth, which are a hive of activity throughout the day.
These havens offer shelter not just for ships, but for weary walkers too – I highly recommend berthing at Ebb Carr’s Cafe in St Abbs to refuel.
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Walk the Berwickshire Coastal Path
Whether you’re looking to try your first walking holiday, you’ve been inspired to walk along some of Britain’s most beautiful coastline, or you’re simply short of time – I recommend you look no further than the Berwickshire Coastal Path.
James Fathers
