East Lothian | Haddington | Half day walk | ★★
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| [River Tyne near Hailes Castle] |
This occasionally muddy, riverside ramble in East Lothian links the attractive settlements of Haddington and East Linton. Much of the scenery is undramatic (though perfectly pleasant), but there are a wealth of historic attractions visited by the path along the River Tyne to add a little spice to the outing. A thriving 14th century church is soon followed by a 12th century ruined one - and that's before you've even left Haddington. Later on are a succession of old mills, some slowly falling apart and others converted into houses. Hailes Castle is a real surprise: a substantial, tumbledown residence towering over the opposite bank, which is easily visited by a short detour (included on the route map below). It was also nice to spot a good variety of ducks beyond the ubiquitous mallard - though the numerous goosanders we happened across didn't seem to like being photographed!
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| [Hailes Castle, seen from across the river] |
Location & info
📌 Walk: Haddington to East Linton - frolick along the Tyne
★★
Park at the finish and take a bus to the start (at least hourly, but check times in advance). Start at High Street (A6093), Haddington town centre, G.R.: NT 516739 ///sports.fancy.belt. Finish at Bridge End (B1407), East Linton village centre, G.R.: NT 592771 ///grove.rescue.slower.
🚌 Bus to Haddington (walk start) and from East Linton (end).
▶ 11 km / 7 mi | ▲ 50 m | ⌚ Half a day |
⬤ Moderate
Features: Haddington ★★ & town sights;
St Mary's Church ★★★ & Nungate Bridge;
St Martin's Kirk ★; River Tyne;
Hailes Castle ★★★; East Linton
Terrain: Almost entirely riverside paths: surfaced cycle track to Abbey Bridge, then narrower grass or mud path. Minor road section for detour to Hailes Castle.
Route: Start - Haddington & town sights - St Mary's Church & Nungate Bridge - St Martin's Kirk - Abbey Bridge via north bank of River Tyne - Sandy's Mill - Hailes Castle (view from across river) - out-and-back detour to Hailes Castle via bridge just beyond castle - East Linton & finish
On our visit
Wildlife: Lots of goosanders and seagulls; other ducks, swans and cygnets, dippers, sheep, ripe elderberries.
Weather: Plenty of sunshine between cloud banks, moderate wind, temperature in low teens.
Chronological photo guide
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| [Haddington] |
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| [St Mary's Church, Haddington] |
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| [View from Nungate Bridge (25/8/18)] |
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| [Crossing the River Tyne on the way out of Haddington] |
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| [Weir] |
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| [Abbey Bridge] |
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| [Riverside path near Abbey Mill] |
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| [Sheep grazing in front of Abbey Mill] |
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| [Sandy's Mill - now converted into a home] |
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| [Woodland section] |
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| [Rapids] |
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| [Riverside path] |
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| [Traprain Law (right) across the river] |
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| [Hailes Castle, seen from across the river] |
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| [Detour to Hailes Castle] |
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| [River Tyne near Hailes Castle] |
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| [Basking in the sunshine] |
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| [Riverside path] |
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| [Passing underneath the A1] |
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| [An imaginative flight of steps] |
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| [Approaching East Linton] |
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| [East Linton] |
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| [East Linton] |
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