Newmains Hill

The walk up Newmains Hill takes about forty minutes from the car park near Dunbar, and it's one of those Scottish coastal climbs that rewards you properly for the effort. Nothing dramatic - we're talking 380 metres at most - but the views across the Firth of Forth and down to Dunbar harbour make it feel like proper hill-walking without the mountaineering bit.

On a clear day you'll spot the island of Bass Rock looming offshore, and on the way down you get sight lines all the way to North Berwick. The path itself is well-trodden and straightforward enough for families with older kids, though younger ones might find it a slog. The eastern slopes are grazed by sheep, which adds to the working landscape feel of East Lothian.

It's the sort of walk you do in a couple of hours total, making it ideal if you're based at Belhaven Bay Caravan Park just down the road and the weather's playing ball. Don't expect isolation - it's popular enough with locals - but you won't feel crowded either. Spring and autumn are best; summer brings the midges out and winter can make the path boggy. There's no café or facilities at the summit, so bring water and a packed lunch if you want to linger.

Save this for the afternoon if you're doing other Dunbar bits in the morning. It's free, takes two hours, and gives you genuine East Lothian coast views without driving miles inland.