Walk: An honest amble about Musselburgh

East Lothian | Musselburgh | Half day walk | ★★

[River Esk]

For anyone with time to spare around the so-called Honest Town of Musselburgh, this part-urban, part-rural walk is an excellent way to fill it. Our 7 mile circuit takes in many of the town's highlights - the beach, riverside and Main Street - with Newhailes and Inveresk Lodge Garden just a few minutes off route. If there's a downside, it has to be the monotonous stretches surrounding Queen Margaret University, with the attractive campus pond providing a welcome break from the barren terrain.

[Fisherrow Sands]

📌 Walk: An honest amble about Musselburgh ★★
Start / finish at Fisherrow Harbour car park, New Street, Fisherrow, half a mile west of Musselburgh town centre, G.R.: NT 334729 ///lively.humble.teeth

▶ 12 km / 7 mi | ▲ 50 m | ⌚ Half a day | ⬤ Easy
Features: Fisherrow Sands ★★ & harbour; Musselburgh ★; River Esk; Queen Margaret University; Brunstane Burn
Terrain: Level paths, mostly tarmac, with sandy beach to finish.

Route & map

Car park & Fisherrow Sands - mouth of River Esk - Musselburgh - River Esk east bank until footbridge after railway line - Queen Margaret University - Newcraighall - Brunstane Burn - start


Route credit: Scotland Off the Beaten Track
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On our visit

Wildlife: Varied riverside, woodland and coastal birds; small fish in the River Esk.
Weather: Sunny but with a cool onshore breeze, temperature in high teens.

Chronological photo guide

[Fisherrow Harbour]

[Fisherrow Sands]

[River Esk]

[Musselburgh High Street]

[River Esk]

[River Esk]

[River Esk]

[River Esk]

[River Esk]

[Bridge over the River Esk]

[The Honest Toun]

[Entering Queen Margaret University campus]

[Queen Margaret University]

[Swan & cygnets]

[Queen Margaret University]

[Newcraighall]

[Brunstane Road]

[Brunstane Burn]

[Fisherrow Sands]

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