East Lothian

Carfraemill 8½ miles, Edinburgh 20 and 7/8th miles are two of the destinations on this old signpost. Some routes are 'impassable for motors'.

A patchwork of heather and grass, photographed midway between Gifford and Carfraemill.

'A comparatively recent shot' [I said at the time] taken from Seacliffe.

I think the facade of this hotel is being preserved...

The hotel featured above is visible in the distance, in this shot from the harbour walls.

Craigleith island as seen from near the old North Berwick swimming pool. A path leads out onto the rocky peninsula. The footbridge had not changed in decades.

The slanted strata of the rocks is shown here at the foot of the cliffs at Seacliffe Estate.

Taken in 1979 using a 24mm lens. I was standing on a pinnacle of rock...

Seacliffe at high tide. A more recent shot taken from the car park area just visible in the next picture, in the distance behind the rock pinnacle.

Boys jumping into the tiny harbour in the summer of 1979.

There used to be wooden floors here. If you want more information why not visit the castle?

This is the view east towards Seacliffe. The next picture shows how high the cliff-top castle really is.

A comparatively recent shot taken from Seacliffe. [Well, it was once.]

Kayapp is the name of this cat on the beach. An unusual sight on a beach...

That's my daughter Linda as a child, beside the cat.

Looks like chunks of sedimentary rock embedded in lava. Knife included for scale.

A small island west of North Berwick. It has a lighthouse and lots of nesting seabirds.

Horses wading in the sea.

North Berwick Law is visible here.

Two different types of horses. After a gallop along the beach, they're headed for a refreshing wade in the sea.

The smallest horse is furthest out to sea, and the rider must be wet up to her waist.

Fragmented reflections of the sky on the beach near Fidra Island.

A breezy afternoon, ideal for sailing near Craigleith Island beside North Berwick. The Bass Rock makes a dramatic backdrop.

The East Lothian coastline has the most fascinating geology. This is part of a small cliff on a rocky outcrop at the west end of Gullane's main bay.

Looking north over the Firth of Forth towards Fife. Cumulous clouds are reflected by the incoming tide.

The familiar silhouette of Arthur's Seat and Edinburgh Castle is visible on the horizon as seen from Aberlady Bay on a winter morning.

Looking north towards Fife on a misty winter morning.

Gullane Bay as photographed from its east end. The sun is beginning to burn off the morning mist.

Beside the A198 coast road between Aberlady and Gullane stands Luffness House. This is the magnificent arched entrance.

Three people on top of the gateway are enjoying the view over Aberlady Bay Bird Reserve.

Semi-detached villas in a style more often seen in England.

All this crap piles up on the beaches. Some enterprising and imaginative individuals occasionally create strange structures like this, using the materials to hand.

The fresh water seeping off the land and down the beach has frozen on top of the sand. The rising tide and sunshine will soon melt it. Photograph taken near Yellowcraigs, East Lothian.

Between Dirleton and North Berwick. These old trees have been sculpted by wind and weather.

Photographed from a few feet below the summit. The remains of a volcanic plug (like the Edinburgh Castle rock and others).

The view north towards North Berwick Harbour and Craigleith Island. North Berwick Law is 613 feet above sea level, about 3/4 of the height of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh.

Slightly north of east and 5.7 Kilometres away is the Bass Rock.

At the tail-end of the volcanic plug's glaciated remains is this community. If this were Edinburgh Castle's geology, then this would be the position of Holyrood Palace.

A rainbow arcs across the sky at Dirleton village, west of North Berwick.

The island of Fidra is in the distance at the end of this windswept beach.

The strong west wind sweeps the sand across the beach towards the sea, making interesting textures and patterns. The Bass Rock can be seen at the right hand edge of the picture.

If you walk from the wooden foot-bridge near the nature reserve carpark, then this is your first good look at the seashore and the view beyond, across Aberlady Bay towards the Pentland Hills and Arthur's Seat.

Further east along the shore is this similar view, but with the foreground dramatically changed. Fine dry sand is being blown across damp sand.

At the far end of the first bay, still looking back west. The strong west wind is blowing low, broken cloud rapidly along. The light is constantly changing. The low tide reveals a vast expanse of sand, soon to be covered again.

Further east at Gullane, the wind-blown wet beach reflects the sky. On top of the cliffs can be seen concrete blocks left since WW2, designed to repel German tanks.

Sunnier weather in March 2002. The tide is out exposing lots of sandy beach.

Low water mark and little waves lap gently against the beach. The blue sky is complemented by the the line of clouds lingering over the Fife hills.

A more turbulent sky in this photo. A solitary figure gives a sense of scale.

Photographed from the wooden footbridge from the nature reserve carpark. The Peffer Burn flows out across the flat expanse of sand.

A field beside Ware road from Dirleton to Yellowcraigs.

A long lens view towards Cockenzie Power Station. Silhouetted against the glittering waves are two people paddling at the water's edge.

A bee emphasises just how small these plants are, growing amongst the sand dunes.

More people paddling.

This little creature was floundering in a rock pool until I plucked it from the surface and set it down on a rock to dry out its wings.

Edinburgh's familiar skyline can clearly be made out in this view across the waves.

Arthur's Seat's profile is obvious on the right of the picture. The hill on the left is Torphin at the other side of Edinburgh.

Starting from Gullane, this could be the first close look at the beach if you walk up Marine Road and down through the path through the Sea Buckthorn bushes.

Yet another example of the diverse geology of the area.

The clouds seem to be mimicking the shape of the rocks.

The fuzzy grass covered dunes contrast with the bare rocks at the top of the beach.

Smooth damp sand, seaweed, black rocks, flotsam and jetsam contrast with the soft grass and clouds.

The actual islet of Eyebroughy. Clouds are bubbling up in the background.

A strangely shaped cloud floats overhead. In the foreground on the right a sandbank still connects the tiny island to the mainland at lowtide.

Oyser Catchers and gulls seem to be waiting around as the tide turns and proceeds to turn Eyebroughy back into an island.

Most birds fly off as I approach. One adult and two young gulls remain briefly.

Clouds over Fife are reflected in the ripples of the rising tide.

Eyebroughy is being cut off by the tide and will be safer again for the cormorants and other birds. Fidra is the larger island on the right.

Turning round the opposite way shows the shore and the grassy dunes at the back of this expanse of sand.

Fidra is on the left horizon. At the other end of this bay the footpath climbs some low cliffs before coming to the Longskelly area.

Strange rock formations resemble a smiling sea monster resting on black boulders.

More unusual geology in the foreground amongst the black stones.

Broad Sands is the big beach between Yellowcraigs and North Berwick. At low tide thousands of wormcasts are visible but their creators are hiding until the tide comes back in.

Almost at the end of the walk from Gullane.

This volcanic anomaly is visible from afar but here it dominates the town. Its new whale jawbone is at the summit, albeit a fibreglass replica cast from a mould of the real thing.

In this wide angle view the Pentland Hills and Arthur's Seat are on the horizon.

At the east end of the first bay after the nature reserve is a rocky outcrop where the waves coming swirling into this gap. An exposure of 1/10th second gives a flowing effect.

At the same place as the previous picture but zoomed back to show the Fife coast at the top.

A short exposure of 1/500th second captures the wave hitting the rocks.

A layer cake of different sediments. Fascinating geology.

Not recommended for walking on barefoot.

Wrinkly rocks, folded and squashed when in a more malleable state.

More strange rock formations.

The Lomond Hills in Fife are like separated twins.

Some geological process has left this lump of sedimentary rock sitting on top of creamy coloured rock which seems to have once had the consistency of cream, too.

The rocks seem to have been folded and stirred before setting. Beyond the second rocky outcrop is Gullane Bay.

The Earth curves by 8 inches per mile and I was 23 miles from the Forth Bridge. This equates to 15 feet of curvature which, combined with the mirage effect, causes the bottom of the bridge to disappear.

Another example of geological forces at work. Yellow rocks trapped inside grey rock.

A few small jellyfish were stranded by the tide.

The shore is a natural rock garden in places. This is the first rock promontory encountered after walking along the first beach.

Two ducks swam past as we looked out over the Firth of Forth.

I zoomed in and caught the leading duck mid-quack.

Pretty pink flowers growing from crevices in the rock.

Tilted sedimentary rock sits on top of cascading ripples. The area between Aberlady Bay and Gullane has many geological oddities.

This rock resembles grey gravel caught up in red lava.

Previously photographed, this formation always fascinates due to the 'face' left of centre.

A closer look at rippled rock.

This is the largest formation of wrinkly rock - before reaching Gullane Bay which can be glimpsed over the rocks at top left.

Slabs of sloping sedimentary rock have broken off due to erosion by the sea.

This boat has SURVEY written across it but it's not clear what it's surveying.

A close-up view of some white flowers with a veined bulbous part.

The pattern of sand ripples varies according to turbulence in the receding tide. This stretch of beach was different to other areas.

Concrete cubes on top of the rocks were intended to obstruct invading Germans in World War 2. At high tide it's often necessary to negotiate a path in the gap between the rocks.

A wide angle view of the bright green seaweed exposed by the low tide. Fidra is on the horizon.

Walking along the beach towards the cliffs we saw gulls, oyster catchers and crows looking for things to eat. This crow had been poking its beak into the sand and finding something.

It looked over its shoulder.

One of the larger rock pools in amongst the flat rocks near the cliffs.

At the foot of the low cliffs.

Zoomed in Fidra's lighthouse and arch.

Zoomed in the lighthouse and the arch. A fence has been erected on the highest point.

Approaching North Berwick it's possible to make out the whale's jawbone on top of North Berwick Law.

Golfers don't take kindly to walkers on their golf course. It's safer to stay on the beach as much as possible.

From North Berwick back to Edinburgh the quickest route is by train. The building on the left contains a ticket machine which accepts credit and debit cards.

A long lens view along the train tracks.

The summer of 2012 was so bad it took us a year to get back here. Three infrared photos start this sequence. This is beside the nature reserve's wooden bridge near the A198 coast road.

Looking back at the wooden bridge.

The 'footpath' signs around here are non-committal and vague. Take the wrong one and you may encounter the wrath of Gullane golfers. Go left!

These yellow flowers were growing beside the long path to the beach.

The path to the beach naturally climbs up the tallest sand dune around.

Once at the top of the dune you can see the sea.

The same view in infrared.

Once on the beach there's a stroll along the first bay to the rocky point.

Lying on its back, left by the receding tide, a little white crab.

Along on the rocks pink flowers are growing.

No apologies for photographing these strange rock formations again.

This is the rock at the top of the previous picture...

...and this is it as seen from the other side.

A closer look at the swirling layers under the red sandstone.

Beyond the beach of a million shells the cliffs form a barrier. At low tide you can walk round to the left or clamber through the gap in the middle.

The concrete blocks are a legacy of Britain's coastal defences against German invasion.

Gullane Bay as seen in infrared.

An infrared view out to sea over a line of concrete cubes.

No German landing craft or tanks ever put these blocks to the test around here.

With bees in danger (and our food supply as a consequence) I was pleased to get this photo of a bee on a dandelion.

A closer look at the bee obtained by cropping the same picture.

Two different types of lichen on this rock. They may be competing for space, or they might be the same species in different states...

After walking along the shore for a while I turned back and saw our footprints on the wet sand.

The seaweed in front was bright green and I was curious as to how it would look in infrared.

The green weed looks like shaggy white hair by infrared. The formation vaguely resembles a wide, hairy creature lying face down with its rear end near the camera.

Stones and pebbles are trapped in this conglomerate rock.

The cliffs in the same area between Eyebroughy and Yellowcraigs have other examples of geology such as these slabs of sandstone stacked on top of each other.

Approaching North Berwick landmarks are visible on the horizon: The Lamb, Craigleith, Bass Rock and North Berwick Law.

The outgoing tide has created tiny islands and pools less than a metre across.

This rock is full of holes probably caused by gas bubbles.

A closer look at the 'Swiss Cheese' rock with a smaller version placed in front of it.

And a closer look at the smaller rock.

We arrived at Aberlady on the X24 (124 First Bus) but got the train back. This model train made from barrels is on the other side of the tracks.

The view from the train window just before it left for Edinburgh.

August 2013: Back on the 124 bus. The first 3 photos were taken automatically by my Autographer. The wooden foobridge at the start of the 2 mile walk to the beach.

Just before the path ends at the beach it's necessary to climb this sandy slope.

Autographer snapped this view from the top of the dune.

An HD wallpaper-sized view of Edinburgh as seen from Aberlady Bay.

A slightly wider view showing part of the Pentland Hills to the left of Arthur's Seat.

Because the Autographer takes pictures when its algorithm decides, the resultant pictures are often surprising.

We sat on the rocks at the end of the first long bay for our first snackstop.

Two more wallpaper-sized pictures of Edinburgh, this time photographed from Gullane.

This second, wider view shows the Pentland Hills on the left.

Rocks balanced on top of one another (not by me).

This could form the basis for an eye-catching hairstyle...

More art presumably portraying its creator, Laurie.

Cruising over East Lothian having taken off from the local airport.

Another Autographer picture, taken as we approached North Berwick.

The Bass Rock.

This is the GPS track showing our walk. It was measured at 10.8 miles or 17.4 kilometres. (I forgot to start it as soon as we got off the bus. It ought to have started where the A198 turns east near Luffness.)

The first picture is of the bridge next to the car park, taken in infrared. The other black and white photos on this page were also taken with a Pentax *ist DSLR modified for infrared only.

From the wooden bridge looking west, out to sea.

From the wooden bridge looking east upstream.

We very nearly stood on this pair of toads on the path midway between the bridge and the sea.

It was still quite cool at noon but the sunshine would be warming the toads up.

Before leaving I took this picture from the front. We waited a little longer to warn other walkers to take care not to step on them.

The view towards Cockenzie Power Station and Arthur's Seat that awaits you at the end of the path. The area to the left is where the nature reserve is. Nesting birds should be left in peace.

A sign points the way back. Out in the Firth of Forth several ships travel in and out of the estuary.

Shells on the beach have partially prevented the surface layer of sand from being blown away, leaving little bumps. The track disappearing into the distance was made by a fatbike's fat tyres.

Nearer to the water's edge, this infrared photo shows the texture of the sand and the apparent whiteness of the grassy dunes.

A closer look at the texture of the dunes, contrasting with the blue sky looking dark in infrared.

Intrigued by the appearance, I took another picture further along. I've made this one HD size to suit possible desktop computer wallpaper use.

For comparison how it looks in conventional colour. Even yellow grass reflects infrared light; it's not just green foliage that shows the effect.

Photographed often because of its fascinating geology. This picture emphasizes the texture of the layers. A distant ship is sailing up the Firth of Forth.

The big rock with its anti-tank concrete blocks on top is a recognizable landmark at the west end of Gullane Bay. If the tide is high it's necessary to walk round the top way to get past.

A wider view of Gullane Bay, stretching round to the left.

Having clambered over slippery rocks to get past the big rock, I took its picture in infrared.

Also much photographed by me are these 'cake mix' geological layers.

The same view in normal colour.

Windblown sand in pockets of rock provides a foothold for grass to grow.

The blue horizon is visible over the last shot of the 'cake mix' rocks.

A large lump of rock shows lots of cavities where bubbles once formed in lava. The slopes behind are covered in impenetrable Sea Buckthorn bushes.

Photographing a photographer.

Again, photographing a photographer, this time in colour.

A walker up on high gazes down at the scene. More rocks riddled with holes lie in front of chunky, fragmented rock. Sea Buckthorn berries brighten up the ground behind.

This infrared view is about half way along Gullane Beach.

3 fishermen are at work, anchored quite far from shore, preparing their catch and enjoying the calm weather. Through the haze, houses can be seen near the shore over in Fife.

The rocks near the horizon at left of centre form the tiny island of Eyebroughy, accessible by foot at low tides. Seals have been seen here.

Somehow reminsicent of Scottish Caramel Shortbread is this layered rock.

The tide mark shows that not much remains above water when the tide is high.

An infrared view of the dunes, taken from further along the beach towards Eyebroughy.

Tiny waves lap idly at the wet sand. A red and white ship sails up the Firth of Forth.

Oyster Catchers on a rocky promontary.

This infrared view is about half way along Gullane Beach.

Zoomed in slightly on the island of Fidra.

The start of quite a long bay with part of the walk along the foot of some cliffs.

A long lens look at the island and its lighthouse.

I panned right to show the stump-like rock at Fidra's right end, and opposite - one of a couple of private houses not far from the shore.

Just grass on a dune, photographed in infrared.

Still at the start of the bay, this picture has a similar view to Eyebroughy 61ir a few pictures back.

Further round the beach now, approaching the cliffs. The gibbous moon is plainly visible at 4pm.

Zoomed in for more detail.

Further along, the cliffs become lower. Part of Fidra can be seen past the fractured rock.

Lichen decorates this rock. (The snail at its right edge is about 2cm long.)

The lighthouse obligingly lit up for a short while as I was passing.

North Berwick Law is on the left horizon but to its right, in the sky, a ring shaped cloud appears.

A closer look at the ring shaped cloud. We dismissed thoughts of UFOs having just seen a light aircraft pass us cruising low along the coast. East Fortune Airport isn't far away.

Looking over the rocks to North Berwick Law.

Zoomed in on North Berwick Law. The whale's jawbones at the summit deteriorated and were replaced with replicas. This may be the fate of Edinburgh's Jawbone Walk's jawbones too.

Looking over the rocks to Fidra from the North Berwick end of Yellowcraigs.

It's actually easier to cross the burn lower down the beach due to the burn's meanders here.

When in sight of North Berwick it's tempting to cross the private golf course. If you follow the path at its seaside edge it will lead you to a signposted path beside the second stone wall.

Getting nearer to the end and the train back to Edinburgh. A last look at the Law.

It's approaching 6pm and twilight descends. A final look out to sea at four rowers and their coxswain .

Already a long lens picture, here cropped to zoom in further.

The path from the car park is about 2.4Km long and ends at the shore. It turns rignt and 'tunnels' through the bushes just ahead, then turns left again past a pond on its way to the dunes.

It was the appearance of the clouds above Arthur's Seat and Edinburgh Castle which prompted me to point my lens in that direction.

About to enter the 'tunnel' through the bushes.

The first of 2 shots of that moment when you see the sea after climbing up the dune's sandy slope.

At the top of the dune looking back towards Cockenzie power station and to its right, the Pentland Hills and Arthur's Seat. A bird has left its footprints in the sand.

The curvature of the Earth seems obvious in this long lens view of the Forth Bridge 21 miles (34Km) away.

Dunes at the rear of the beach. Infrared photography excels at pictures with interesting clouds.

When walking east and approaching Gullane Bay it may be necessary (depending on the tide) to avoid the rocks by taking this path up to the WW2 anti-invasion concrete blocks.

Strange to think how the world has changed since World War 2 which ended just before I was born. Designed to stop German landing craft from invading our shores, these concrete cubes remain a reminder of these times, as do the iron railings cut down to contribute to the war effort.

The sun was in the wrong place to show the texture of the concrete but the grass and the clouds provide an effective contrast.

Wide open spaces with interesting textures. The island of Fidra is on the horizon.

A long lens view of Bass Rock as seen from Yellowcraigs beach.

The sea looks very dark because it's not reflecting infrared light. Seen actual size, this photo shows the white specks of seabirds above the Bass Rock.

The outgoing tide always leaves a fascinating array of patterns in the sand.

At the end of the big beach Eel Burn flows into the sea. There's a wooden bridge near the shore but it's probably best to avoid it and just walk across here where the water spreads out thinly.

An imposing building with clear views out to sea.

Having safely crossed between 2 golf courses, the last part is along Cromwell Road, passing this twin-towered house at the corner of Fidra Road. Continuing up the slope leads to the railway station and the train back to Edinburgh.

Revisited again April 14th: The view to Edinburgh on the way to the beach. A solitary concrete block would not have kept the Germans out during WW2. I'm guessing some blocks were removed.

Bright sunlight gives more clearly defined shadows. On the horizon are the Pentland Hills and the familiar shape of Arthur's Seat.

I stepped back to capture a bit more.

Before setting off to catch up with my better ½ I turned round at the same spot and faced the opposite direction along the beach for this picture.

The tide was coming in quite rapidly over the flat beach. Water in the ripple patterns in the sand reflects the sky.

Getting closer to the water's edge reveals the remnant of a wooden post set in concrete.

Another remnant on the beach is this decayed football surrounded by wormcasts.

Gas bubbles have left holes in these rocks near Gullane Point.

The dry surface sand has been sculpted by the wind. Each pebble or shell has its own tail of sand where it's been sheltered.

The tiny island called Eyebroughy is directly opposite this point which juts out into the sea. To the right, smooth wind-blown sand contrasts with the rough rocks on the left - which are at the start of the bay pictured below.

High tide caused us to walk on the rocks and boulders, rounded by being rolled up and down by the waves.

It was possible to walk a few paces on the wet sand but we had to jump out the way each time a wave broke. The usual route along the foot of the cliffs seemed inadvisable today so we climbed the grassy slope to the clifftop.

Having passed the high point of the cliffs we descended here to find the usual path.

Before going back down I took this infrared photo of the trees beside a golfcourse.

A lookout post, used to spot invading German forces.

August 4th 2014 - A Breezy Day. We visited again with the bonus of a low tide. This picture shows the view to Arthur's Seat and Edinburgh.

The rocky promontory at the end of the bay is often the first stopping point for walkers. If it's windy you can usually find a sheltered spot for a picnic.

Resembling delicious flaky pastry, these rocks are just one of the fascinating geological curiosities on this coast.

Near Eyebroughy at low tide, interesting patterns left by the retreating sea.

Previously at a high tide we had to make a diversion up a path to the clifftop. It can be some distance before the shore is accessible again if you have to take that route.

This could be part of a shortcut back down to the beach - but there may be some jumping necessary.

Photographed from the beach at Yellowcraigs showing the Bass Rock.

September 2nd 2014 - On the path from the wooden bridge to the shore we encountered lots of dragonflies. This one stayed still long enough for me to get this picture.

Better weather had been forecast the day before. As is often the case, East Lothian was sunnier than Edinburgh.

A paradise for geologists. Different stratified layers lying at different angles.

The Firth of Forth isn't as busy as some estuaries; only an occasional ship sails by.

An interesting selection of lichen is growing on this rock.

Because the tide was right out it was easy walking along Gullane Bay. Two dogs were swimming; one called Milo kept trying to swim out to this seal, much to its owner's consternation.

Each time the dog got fairly close to the seal, the seal disappeared under the surface for a while.

The dog plainly saw the seal but must have been puzzled by it. The seal watched the goings-on with great interest.

We saw a few walkers including these two girls, posing for fun photos, probably unaware that I was photographing them.

This sort of pose is the kind that mischievous photoshoppers might edit...

Fidra, photographed from the beach near Eyebroughy.

Not long after this we sat down on a rock beside the cliffs, and the girls passed us.

Fascinating detail but quite alien in appearance.

The centre of this jellyfish look like red meat.

Looking back towards Fidra and the edge of the cloud bank which covered Edinburgh while East Lothian enjoyed the sunshine.

One of the bays near Yellowcraigs is covered in dark boulders causing lighter coloured ones stand out. Nature's random art works.

Another rocks picture with the same theme.

We caught the 8.14am x24/124 bus from Haymarket - West Maitland Street in sunshine but there was mist along the coast. This was the sight that greeted us when we got off at the nature reserve.

It felt a little chilly in the misty sea breeze so we walked along this path quite quickly.

Looking back at the end of the path to the beach. The 'path' sign is missing; only a stump remains meantime.

We were unable to see very far ahead so it was safer not to follow the water's edge in order to avoid having to retrace our steps or wade across hidden inlets.

This is not the same football that I photographed a year previously.

Footprints reveal the way we (and others) came to this point.

Although the tide was going out it was necessary to walk on some paths over the dunes.

Walking in the mist between Aberlady Bay and Gullane.

The more distant people are just perceptable.

A wide view of the low tide. Further ahead people are at the water's edge.

The sun is gradually penetrating the mist and reflecting off the wet sand.

Looking back to the west shows the rippled beach.

Facing towards land.

Photographing a photographer. I left my tripod at home. I brought a monopod but didn't use it.

A curious effect caused by the sun shining on the mist.

Another shot from further on. The effect is like a white rainbow.

Mist swirling across one of the many bays on the way east.

Two crows on the lookout for any intertidal morsels.

A soft fuzzy photograph, suitable for a Desktop background.

Another image for possible Desktop wallpaper.

It's uncertain where this horse shoe shaped piece of wood came from.

If Minnie Mouse has been at sea she looks none the worse for her experience.

Looking out to sea at Gullane. The mist is clearing.

This boat was cruising around the Fidra area.

Zoomed in for a closer look.

The way ahead was down this dune of very soft sand. Fidra and its lighthouse are on the horizon.

Zoomed in on Fidra's lighthouse.

A wider view of the scene from Yellowcraigs beach.

It's always busier here due to the car park and access from Dirleton.

Repeated this walk in May. On this day we encountered snails galore before we got to the beach. This is the first one.

Different patterns and colours for snail number two.

The spiral markings on this snail were clearly defined.

The damp ground made life easier for the snails and for people climbing up the dune at the end of the path from the nature reserve entrance. The sand was a little firmer to climb up.

The view from the dune when you first arrive at the beach.

Looking back towards Cockenzie, the Pentland Hills and Arthur's Seat.

The tide was out making walking easier and more interesting.

Another wide angle shot looking back towards the Pentland Hills and Edinburgh. The patterns left by the retreating tide vary a great deal, influenced by many factors.

Part of a large shell on which seaweed had been growing next to the remains of some small starfish.

Further on we encountered two snails having sex.

Luckily the incoming tide hadn't yet reached the rocks just west of Gullane so we were able to continue along the beach rather than take the landward diversion. The large dune behind the canoeist also features in the next picture.

A branch off the main path leads to this dune. People climb up and jump off or run down dunes just for fun.

Stripey red rocks feature in the next few pictures.

This stretch of East Lothian's coast must be fascinating to a geologist.

Red layers sandwiched between light brown or grey layers, and topped off with some seaweed.

More bizarre geology at the water's edge.

Looks rather like chocolate sauce has been poured over white and grey rocks.

Passing the area near the tiny island of Eyebroughy I paused to photograph Fidra.

I zoomed in on the Isle of May about 20Km distant.

The Bass Rock is about 10Km away in this shot.

From Yellowcraigs looking out to sea and the Isle of May.

The Lamb, Craigleith and the Bass Rock.

The waves were quite big for the southern shores of the Firth of Forth.

A view of the Bass Rock from the edge of the golf course. This is the last picture before we walked to the station and the train back to Edinburgh.

We repeated our coastal walk again on 26th May.

We had breakfast at a favourite spot out of the wind. This rock with lichen and flowers caught my eye because the soft-focus sea background complemented the pink flowers and spiky lichen.

Had we lingered at this spot we'd have probably seen the little island of Eyebroughy accessible briefly by land as the tide continued to recede.

North Berwick is a little bit further on than the end of this beach. There are a few more small bays between rocky outcrops.

At the other end of the beach is the Eel Burn, easily crossed in bare feet or waterproof boots.

Taken from nearer North Berwick using the powerful zoom of the Lumix camera.

June 10th 2015: 'NIGEL TRANTER 1909-2000 Scottish Writer who walked this coastline daily, writing as he went' [continues] This plaque is near the start of the trail to the beach.

Near the western end of the bay the tide is low but still going out. Tidal pools are left behind and many on the beach drain through gaps in the sandbanks,

Three people all standing up on inflatable paddle boards. The sea was very calm today; I don't know how they would cope with bigger waves.

We sat down on some rocks for a picnic but the crows didn't look for titbits from us, they were quite content to dig in the sand for worms.

The crows would tilt their heads one way then the other, apparently listening before digging out worms before they escaped.

It's found something here.

Retreating waves and their interaction with assorted sand particles make interesting patterns on the beach.

A tidal pool in the rocks was full of snails.

A telephoto shot, zoomed in on the Isle of May.

September 2015: The promise of a low tide and settled sunny weather lured us back again. This plant is unknown to me and was growing near the small pond just after the path passes through the thicket.

I got a little closer with this second shot to show drops of moisture from the mist which had recently receded.

At the end of the path it's necessary to climb a large dune. From the top we could see that the mist hadn't cleared yet.

Looking east along the wide open beach. The sea is to the left but obscured by mist.

Looking back to the dunes where the path ended shows our footprints in the damp sand.

A round artefact lies partially submerged at the side of a pool.

It appears to be a pipe - but why would a pipe be vertical?

Looking into the upward facing pipe (or piece of pipe) shows the water within to be slightly deeper.

It's unlikely that anything has flowed through this pipe. It must have been brought here by tidal currents.

The low tide has left a succession of strange patterns on the sand. This first one shows the view from a few inches above the beach.

Strangely, amongs the obvious mark left by receding water there are patches like giant stripey footprints.

Wriggly ridges and spaghetti-like wormcasts.

A low view towards our initial destination, the first rocky headland.

Looking back towards Cockenzie, invisible in the mist but now lacking its chimneys. The sea is now visible though, at the lowest tide we've experienced here.

The rocky area at the top of the headland provides shelter from the wind regardless of its direction and is a popular picnic spot though never busy.

The tide was so low we were able to walk past the seaward side instead of the usual diversion on the grassy path.

A long lens shot showing the mist and the strange pattern on the sand.

Normally, having paused at the picnic spot, walkers would make their way past the cliff left of centre in this picture. The low tide made for a slightly different route.

Facing east again taking a wide angle view of the scene.

Gullane Point with its concrete second world war concrete blocks photographed from further along Gullane beach.

Lots of flat stones, good for skimming over the water.

The tiny island of Eyebroughy is out of sight to the left in this picture. Straight ahead are the cliffs separating those with a spirit of adventure from those who'd rather play golf.

Panning the camera left shows Fidra with its lighthouse.

At the water's edge Eyebroughy is once again an island.

The tide creeps in visibly, each litte wave lapping a little further and filling up the little indentations in the sand.

Another view of Fidra from the water's edge.

A long lens shot captures a kayak passing in front of Eyebroughy. There are faint suggestions of ships further out in the mist.

We prefer to walk on the black boulders than on the path that's uncomfortably close to the ubiquitous golf course. Walking boots can cope with the boulders.

Black Boulder Bay is how we think of this place. When wet the boulders are black. Fidra appears again on the left horizon.

Some light coloured stones contrast nicely with the dark ones and can be distracting in a photogenic way. (examples earlier)

On the very long, wide beach between Yellowcraigs and North Berwick there was a small crowd of people watching and photographing this bird.

It sat there motionless as people with dogs stood around. It trudged a few inches nearer shore as the tide came in. I thought maybe it was a young cormorant but its bill doesn't look quite right.

It's the red kayak again, this time with a hazy Bass Rock for a background.

Another view of the three islands from further east.

2016 March 31: A damp start to the day but the rain didn't persist.

The view back along the first beach. There is a 360º image taken at this location where we stopped for breakfast.

Multiple layers is the theme of today's first geology picture.

Bubbles in the rocks.

Parallel blue lines where the beach at low tide reflects the sky. Four people and a dog give a sense of scale.

Near Gullane Point an attempt was made by someone to apparently bridge a gap - presumably to create a miniature harbour. This artefact is at the top of the beach, attached to some interesting geology.

The same location and a closer look at two layers. Sedimentary on top of volcanic, both with gas bubbles.

A red lump of volcanic rock sandwiched between sedimentary rock layers.

Further east, just past Eyebroughy, strange straight lines in the rocks at the base of the cliffs.

A slightly wider view of the rock surface with the straight lines.

When using Google Maps to name the location I found the name Solitude Fortress.

I took one or two photos but didn't climb up to investigate because the tide was coming in.

At high tide it's necessary to climb up the slope to a golf course to avoid being trapped against the cliffs.

The island of Fidra framed by a rainbow.

Quite a dramatic sky lights the scene. Tiny people can be seen on a sunny part of the beach.

At the water's edge the wet sand reflects the sky.

Head west along the clifftop walk from Dunbar and round the shore by the golf course, and after a while you'll reach this footbridge across the Biel Water.

The cottages and houses at the side of Belhaven Bay are visible to the south east, beyond the breakers and surf.

The famous seabird colony is on the misty horizon to the right of the rocky promontory known as St Baldred's Cradle.

Different sand and currents have created different patterns here, nearer the north west end of the beach.

Here the view is up rather than along the beach. The water leeching out of the sand forms warm puddles in the sunshine.

Like North Berwick Law, the rocky hill called Traprain Law can be seen from miles away. The rising tide has made the footbridge across the Biel Water inaccessible without wading.

Two horse riders and their horses enjoy the wide open spaces.

They are accompanied by a dog which trots ahead then turns round to make sure everyone is following.

The Bass Rock is covered in sea birds.

The Hedderwick Burn flows across the sand to join the River Tyne where it enters the sea.

The changing shoreline. The sea creates dunes and later washes them away causing some casualties amongst the trees.

The stream flows into the broad estuary of the River Tyne at the western end of the John Muir park.

A closer view of the bridge featured in the last photo.

This bridge leads to the Bass Rock.

The coastal trail leads along the clifftop and descends to the promontory visible in the middle distance. Traprain Law (near East Linton) can be seen on the horizon.

9th May 2016. The path to the shore enters a tunnel.

Much photographed before but it's a significant point in a walk.

Also known as a sea potato.

A wandering snail left this track on the wet sand.

A closer look

A larger, land-based snail.

Looking out to sea past Eyebroughy. Cormorants on top of the rocks.

The Lamb, Craigleith and the Bass Rock.

The end of the path to the beach. Wednesday 18th July 2018.

My Lithuanian friend Vita accompanied me on this day.

Low tide

Vita and I both took pictures of this creation someone had left.