Coldingham to Eyemouth

This excellent walk takes the Creel Path from Coldingham - once used by fisherman to transport their catch - to the sea at St Abbs. It then follows the Berwickshire coastal path along the clifftops and the beach to reach Eyemouth. The return is by bus, or if you have the time and energy you could retrace your steps.

Terrain

Country paths and tracks and cliff top paths.

Public Transport

Coldingham and Eyemouth are linked by bus.

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Start

Coldingham. Map and directions.

grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km/5 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 130m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NT902659

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 346 - Berwick
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The starting point for this route is in Priory car park in the centre of Coldingham. Before setting off it is well worth exploring the priory. Founded during the reign of David I of Scotland, the Priory was once one of the most important religious buildings in Scotland. Begin by leaving the car park and following the road towards St Abbs. Ignore the right turn to the sands and carry on up the hill out of the village on the pavement. At a lay-by leave the road to the right to join the Creel path, used for over 1,000 years to cut across from what was once Coldingham Shore but is now St Abbs. The path was established by fishermen who carried their catch in creels from the shore to Coldingham.

Stage 2

Much of the path is tree lined and shaded but, approaching St Abbs the view opens out of the coastline. Ignore the various paths that join from the right and offer an alternative route to the sands. The path exits onto a road beside a housing estate. Carry on straight ahead. You will reach a right turn at Murrayfield; from here you can explore the harbour at St Abbs by carrying straight on and descending down into the small fishing port. Return to Murrayfield and turn along it to pass the post office/shop. For vehicles it is a dead end but for walkers it joins the coastal path which is signposted at this point.

Stage 3

Follow the path along the top of the cliffs and eventually it descends down into Coldingham bay. The beach here has a Blue Flag award and it is popular with surfers. The hotel overlooking the sands has a surf shop and a web cam that allows surfers to monitor the conditions. Continue along the sands passing the toilet block and the Beach cafe and at the far end climb up the path.

Stage 4

Descend onto a more rocky shore front by way of the steps and cross the wooden bridge that goes over a small stream that runs into the sea. At the far end of the rocky beach climb up steps and continue on the coastal path. Keep a watch out along this stretch and you may be fortunate enough to spot roe deer.

Stage 5

Continue on round cliffs until the path descends once more to another longer stretch by the sea at Linkim Shore. You will pass a fingerpost that points back up towards Coldingham via Fleurs Farm but ignore this and carry on to the end of the shoreline past what looks like a giant drill bit rising out of the ground. From here the path turns right and climbs up to regain the cliff top, crossing a small wooden bridge over the stream.

Stage 6

At the top go through an opening into a field and follow the left hand margin as it winds around the coast. Pass into a second field, remaining on the coastal side. The caravan park at Eyemouth is now clearly visible and on a clear day you can see the imposing figure of the Eyemouth Golf Course�s Clubhouse on the hill on the other side of the town. The path turns left and runs between the sea and the caravan park, following the outer perimeter of the park as it turns again towards Eyemouth.

Stage 7

Descend to reach the town and emerge at the Leisure Centre. Follow the promenade along until it reaches the Co-operative car park. Eyemouth has plenty of places for food, refreshments and attractions to while away any spare time before catching a bus for the return to Coldingham. Keen walkers could press on to do the Eyemouth to Berwick-upon-Tweed section of the coastal path.

Route: Paul Jess

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.