Sometimes at the end of a trip we just want to crack on and get home, and sometimes we want to take a very circuitous, meandering route back to eke out the last dregs of the holiday for as long as possible. Such was the case on our way back from Perthshire at the start of November, with a sunny late autumn day forecast and a not too bad drive tempting us into finding a stop off en route home.
In the end we ended up detouring a fair way away from the main road home, so that we could let the dogs have a run on a beach. Beach walks are the best walks when you’re slightly knackered and can’t face dragging yourself up a hill, but still want a good dose of fresh air that leaves you feeling pleasantly exhausted. Plan A was originally to stop off near Stirling to climb Dumyat, but seeing a rather large cloud forming in that direction we switched up our plans and headed to Tyninghame Links in East Lothian. Any excuse for an easier walk!
Arriving late on a Friday morning, I was a bit anxious when we arrived to find the parking area (pay & display) half full – with a reactive dog, I’m always worried about beaches feeling crowded. We decided to just head down to the beach and see what it was like, and to turn around and head back to the car if we were worried. The walk down to the beach takes 10 to 15 minutes, through either woodland or paths along field edges, depending which way you go. The bonus is that you can incorporate the beach into a circular walk of a decent length, which isn’t always possible at other places.
Happily, when we got to the beach it appeared almost totally deserted – just a few other dog walkers about, and those just tiny specks in the distance. The beach is enormous, stretching for miles, and with acres of space – we absolutely loved it, and the dogs had a wonderful time charging around on the sand.
We spent about 45 minutes just strolling down the beach towards Bass Rock, which is just off the coast here and which makes for an excellent view. Bass Rock is home to the world’s largest colony of northern gannets, with around 150,000 birds squeezing themselves onto the rock during the peak of the season. No gannets were to be seen on the beach though, which is always a relief if you have a bird obsessed dog. We did however acquire another Labrador for a short time: she very much wanted Coal’s dummy and I think would happily have abandoned her family to come home with us, if there was a chance of getting her paws on the dummy.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and with a few hundred miles still left to drive, we cut short our stroll along the beach to head back to the car- this time taking the alternative path along field edges, to make a circular walk. I’d love to return here one day in the future – it’s definitely secured a spot on my list of all time favourite beaches.
Dog friendly rating: 5/5. This beach is dog friendly all year round and while a short walk from the car park, there are no stiles and if you choose to go via the woods, you will also be able to let your dog off lead on the walk there.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog today, subscribe below so that you never miss a post:
