Curling Pond (former)

The Curling Pond sits quietly on the outskirts of Dunbar, a stretch of water that's seen better days but still holds a certain appeal if you know what you're looking at. Once the hub of winter sport when the ice froze thick enough, it's now mostly a peaceful spot where locals walk their dogs and the occasional angler sets up shop.

What you'll find is essentially a small lake fringed with reeds and overgrown banks - nothing dramatic, but there's a tranquility to it that makes the walk worthwhile if you're staying nearby. The historical angle is what justifies the detour: this was properly important in its day, when curling clubs would gather here for competitions and social events. That heritage lingers, even if the ice no longer calls out the crowds.

It's not a destination that demands hours. Twenty minutes to half an hour gives you the full picture - a walk round the perimeter, maybe a bench to sit on if you need it. You won't find facilities or visitor amenities; it's just a pond now, peaceful rather than spectacular. Families with young kids might find it underwhelming unless they're keen on spotting water birds or old history.

If you're staying at Belhaven Bay Caravan Park just down the road, it's worth factoring in as part of a broader Dunbar afternoon - combine it with the castle and the town's harbour walks rather than treating it as a standalone. Winter's arguably the only season where it becomes genuinely interesting, when frost patterns catch the light and you can almost picture the game.