Climb to the top of conical North Berwick Law for fabulous views over the coast, the Bass Rock and across to Edinburgh and the Pentlands. This circuit takes time to explore the coast and town of North Berwick.
Bog Factor
Clear paths, pavements, steep climb on grassy path, rough and boggy section, roads with pavements.
North Berwick Law car park off B1347.
Bus and trains to North Berwick.
NT553842
This route starts from the car park for North Berwick Law which is on the west side of the hill, off the B1347, follow signs for the Sports Centre from the railway station. If starting from the town centre pick up the route in the High Street (paragraph 6). From the car park go through the gap in the wall and follow the signed path. The Law is popular and has suffered from erosion over the years and you are encouraged to stay on the waymarked route which heads around the south side of the hill at first before branching left opposite a walled garden onto a signed path heading gently uphill. The path climbs across the south side of the hill before doubling back left at a sign to continue to a bench with a grand view over North Berwick.
From here the path climbs more steeply around the north side. The striking shape of the hill is a result of its volcanic origins, it is a volcanic plug of hard rock which has withstood the eroding effects of passing glaciers during the ice age. The summit is marked by a trig point, view indicator and a set of replica whale jawbones. A jawbone has stood on the top of the Law since 1709, the last actual whale bone had been in place since 1933 but rotted away and had to be removed in 2005. The current replica was donated to the town in 2007. The view from the top is stunning with Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh backed by the Pentlands to the west and the Bass Rock to the east.
From the summit retrace the outward climb up the hill, passing the seat and back across the south side of the hill and around the sharp right turn. Just after this a path heads straight down the now gentler grassy slope to the left. Follow this right down through the gorse and then bear left to follow a path that heads around the south side of the hill, soon climbing once more to remain above a fence. Keep the fence on your right and continue uphill with an ancient doocot visible in the field ahead. The path passes a row of trees and eventually reaches the ridge below the steep western side of the Law. Go through the gateway on the right and immediately turn left to follow an initially very steep path downhill, keeping the fence on your left. At the bottom pass the gorse bushes and turn right onto a path which heads towards the far right of the field to avoid the worst of a swampy area of ground before swinging back left to reach the gate leading to a gap between the houses.
Go through the kissing gate and at the road turn right. Pass the supermarket and turn right onto the main road (A198) for a very short distance. Cross the road and take the path opposite signed for the Glen. Follow this path as it runs alongside the burn, ignoring any bridges and side paths to eventually pass the ruins of an old textile mill and emerge onto the coast road at a golf clubhouse. Cross the road and bear left, walking either along the road or the sandy beach beside it into the heart of the town.
North Berwick was once a very popular resort in the 19th century with trains of holiday makers coming from as far as London. Now it is popular with golfers and as a fashionable address for Edinburgh commuters. Just before the lifeboat station is reached bear right to pass the ancient St Andrew's Old Kirk and then the Scottish Seabird Centre, which is well worth a visit (admission charge). Here there are live camera feeds from the Bass Rock and boat trips can also be taken; outside the centre is a bronze sculpture of a gannet.
Go down the steps from the Seabird Centre to reach the harbour and follow the road to the left as it heads towards the centre of town. Continue straight ahead, although you may want to detour down High Street to browse the interesting shops, art galleries and numerous tea shops before continuing along Quality Street. At the mini roundabout bear right and then go through the gate on the left into the grounds of The Lodge, now following signs for the John Muir Way. Go through the metal gate and bear right uphill staying on the main path and heading straight uphill through the park, ignoring the side paths.
The Law is directly ahead; cross the road and walk up Lady Jane Road opposite, soon picking up a walkway on the right hand side with steps. Continue on this, crossing a road, and heading through some trees before crossing another road on a housing estate. At the next road (the Law is still looming directly ahead) turn right still following the John Muir Way and at the A198 turn left opposite the school to pick up a path on the left which leads back to the car park.
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