Image shared for Cottyburn to Haddington: East Lothian Railway Walk return
Countryside Out & back

Cottyburn to Haddington: East Lothian Railway Walk return

Lothian

Distance
5.3 mi
Est. time
2h 45m
Difficulty
Easy
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at the small Cottyburn car park beside the Haddington to Longniddry Railway Walk, reached from the minor road between Coates and Cottyburn. Check the parking signs before leaving your car. Follow the pedestrian link onto the railway path and turn towards Haddington, keeping away from the bridge leading west towards Longniddry.

The route follows the former railway through Laverocklaw and the open farmland around Merryhatton. The broad bends, cuttings and old railway alignment give an easy route to follow. Stay on the main shared path at farm-track crossings. Near Haddington, follow the path through the A1 underpass, then continue beside the town edge to the surfaced path junction just before Alderston Road. Turn here and retrace the railway path to Cottyburn. This walk stops before the road crossing and does not enter the hospital grounds.

Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes for the 8.5 km return. Much of the route is level or gently graded, with compacted gravel and a surfaced section near Haddington. Wet leaves, puddles and mud can slow progress. The A1 underpass can flood after heavy rain; turn back if water or a closure prevents passage. Share the path considerately with cyclists and horse riders, and keep dogs under close control. Carry water and food, as there are no assured facilities at the car park or turnaround.

Route and access checked against East Lothian Council's Haddington Paths leaflet and Core Paths Map F, linked from its current Paths around East Lothian page.

Walk details

County
Lothian
Walk type
Out & back
Category
Countryside
Distance
5.3 mi (8.5 km)
Est. time
2h 45m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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