Ravensheugh Sands is a dazzling stretch of white sand, reminiscent of Scotland’s celebrated west coast.
It is where the monk St Baldred arrived in the 8th century, becoming the first recorded settler at Tyninghame. He then established a monastery and built a small chapel on Bass Rock, embarking on many retreats to the island and it is said that he died here. Ravensheugh Sands culminates at the beautiful secluded cove of Seacliff, which grants fantastic views of both Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle, perched precariously on cliffs nearby. Seacliff is also home to Britain’s smallest harbour.
Walk through Tyninghame Links car park, which sits at the eastern end of Limetree Walk a few miles from Dunbar. Beyond a ‘path to beach’ signpost go through a gate onto a woodland track and follow this southeast towards the shore. At a fork keep left and follow the path through a line of large concrete blocks. Upon reaching an old wall continue to a gate. Turn right where a broader track soon leaves the woodland onto scrubby grassland to reach the rocky shelf of St Baldred’s Cradle.
Bear left here and walk northwest along a grassy then sandy path. At an information board descend onto the golden expanse of Ravensheugh Sands, relishing wonderful views of Bass Rock. Follow the shoreline but be aware that after Peffer Sands, the walking along Scoughall Rocks can, at times, be awkward as underfoot stones and larger rocks have to be crossed. Continue past a series of secluded coves containing some interesting geological features and once through an obvious gap between two crags, round the headland near St Baldred’s Cross to reach Seacliff – walk along the sand to The Gegan and seek out Britain’s smallest harbour and fabulous views of Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle.
Retrace steps about ½ way along the top of the beach and climb a flight of wooden steps to a small car park. Turn right, follow a single-track road and once around a barrier turn left onto a minor road. Just before a cottage fork left, follow the road past an archway, go left at the next fork and continue through open countryside. At a crossroads turn right, where a track skirts woodland to reach another track on the left. Follow this beside a wall, turn right through a gap and continue south to Scoughall.
Just before some buildings turn right onto a road and at the next junction turn left from where another road heads through Pefferside crossing the Peffer Burn. Follow a rougher track and turn left at a crossroads, east of Lochhouses. Go round a gate and follow a track towards dunes, swinging right at a signpost for Tyninghame Links. The track heads southeast alongside the dunes into woodland to a fork. Keep left, pass through a gate and walk back to the start.
