Immediately adjacent to Edinburgh is East Lothian. Perhaps best known for its links golf courses, this is also a region with much to offer the walker. The coastline is perhaps the greatest attraction, with mile upon mile of glorious sandy beaches, dunes and nature reserves. The coastal planes are dominated by a number of individual, small but steep hills such as North Berwick Law and Traprain Law, which are superb viewpoints, whilst further inland are the more extensive, rolling moorlands of the Lammermuirs.
Not the least attractive aspect of East Lothian are the towns and villages. Gullane and Dirleton are both worth a visit, whilst amongst the towns North Berwick has the Scottish Seabird Centre as well as some fine buildings and many art galleries, and Dunbar boasts the childhood home of John Muir, the father of conservation.
David Lintern pays tribute to one of East Lothian's most magical places.
"Last month on the 21st April, the John Muir Way opened. The same day is also the anniversary of John Muir's birthday. I thought I'd mark the occasion in hindsight by mentioning a place that isn't on the Way, but is close by – the new long distance trail passes within 1km of it. It’s also very close to my heart..."
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