Lauderdale Park

The walk down to Lauderdale Park catches you off guard - suddenly the Firth of Forth spreads out before you, and the reserve proper drops away beneath cliffs that shift between red sandstone and darker rock. It's a proper coastal nature reserve, the sort of place where you'll actually see things: seals lounging on the rocks below, waders picking through the shallows, and on a clear day the Isle of May sitting just offshore like a promised land you might never quite reach.

The reserve itself is manageable. Paths wind through coastal grassland and down to the shoreline, and while it's not a massive undertaking - most people get the essentials done in an hour or so - the views repay lingering. Birdwatchers will find themselves occupied for hours, particularly during migration seasons. Families with younger kids might find it a bit limited unless the tide pools hold their attention, though the cliff walks are safe enough if you've got sensible children.

It's free to wander, which is just as well because there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of. Come when the light's good - the red sandstone really sings in late afternoon - and avoid the worst of the wind if you can. The nearest base is Dunbar, just a couple of miles back inland, which makes Lauderdale a natural add-on to any East Lothian coastal trip. If you're staying at Belhaven Bay Caravan Park nearby, this sits perfectly into a day mixing beach and proper reserves. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though don't expect anything grand - it's quiet coastal walking at its most honest.