Howkins Wood

A woodland walk near Dunbar that feels properly removed from the coast, even though you're barely five miles inland. Howkins Wood is straightforward - mixed forest, decent paths, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think instead of fighting crowds on the Lothian beaches.

The trees here are mainly Scots pine and broadleaf, so it's got that Scottish woodland feel without being remote or difficult to access. Paths wind through at an easy pace, good for families who don't need drama or extreme gradients. The whole thing won't gobble up your morning - allow an hour or so unless you're stopping to identify every bird.

It's the sort of spot that works brilliantly alongside a caravan base at Belhaven Bay, just down the road. You get the shelter and green space without the sea-salt windchill, then head back to the park for tea. Kids will find it fine for that mid-week break from beaches, though they won't be rapt for hours.

Worth the detour if you're staying locally and fancy a proper walk away from the crowds. Worth driving out of your way from Edinburgh? Probably not. But if you're already in East Lothian for the coast and the parks, slot it in without hesitation. Free, naturally. No fees, no facilities that I could find - just trees and quiet.