Discover Edinburgh’s Best Dog Friendly Beaches

Written By Ronnie McBride

Edinburgh's proximity to the coast offers numerous opportunities for delightful beach outings with your dog. Whether it's a stroll along the shore or an energetic game of fetch, these beaches provide the perfect setting. Below is a curated list of the top 10 dog-friendly beaches near Edinburgh, including essential details such as tide times, access information, and tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.​

1. Portobello Beach

Location: Approximately 3 miles east of Edinburgh city centre.​

Description: Portobello Beach boasts a long stretch of sandy shoreline, making it a favourite among dog owners. The promenade offers a pleasant walk with several dog-friendly cafes nearby.​

Tide Times: Tide times for Portobello Beach are similar to those for Leith. For accurate and up-to-date tide information, refer to local tide charts. ​

Access & Parking: Accessible via public transport from Edinburgh.

On-street parking is available along the promenade.​

Facilities:

  • Public restrooms​

  • Dog-friendly cafes​

  • Waste bins along the promenade​

Tips:

  • Be mindful of local signage indicating any seasonal dog restrictions.​

  • Keep your dog on a lead along the promenade to ensure the safety of all visitors.​

2. Cramond Beach

Location: About 5 miles northwest of Edinburgh city centre.​

Description: Cramond Beach offers scenic views over the Firth of Forth and features a causeway leading to Cramond Island, accessible during low tide.​

Tide Times: It's crucial to check tide times before planning a walk to Cramond Island, as the causeway becomes submerged during high tide. Tide times for Cramond Beach align closely with those for Leith. ​

Access & Parking: Parking is available near Cramond Village. The beach is also reachable by bus from Edinburgh city centre.​

Facilities:

  • Public restrooms​

  • Cafes in Cramond Village​

  • Waste bins at the entrance to the beach​

Tips:

  • Always check tide schedules before walking to Cramond Island to avoid being stranded.​Tideschart.com

  • Be cautious of strong currents and slippery surfaces on the causeway.​

3. Silverknowes Beach

Location: Adjacent to Cramond Beach, northwest of Edinburgh.​

Description: Silverknowes Beach features a wide promenade leading to Cramond, offering expansive views and ample space for dogs to play.​

Tide Times: Tide patterns are similar to those at Cramond Beach. Consult local tide charts for precise information. ​

Access & Parking: A dedicated car park is situated near the beach. The area is also accessible via public transport.​

Facilities:

  • Public restrooms

  • Cafes and kiosks along the promenade​

  • Waste disposal points​

Tips:

  • Ideal for long walks; consider walking from Silverknowes to Cramond and back.​

  • Keep an eye on cyclists and joggers who frequent the promenade.​

4. Yellowcraig Beach

Location: Near Dirleton, East Lothian, approximately 25 miles east of Edinburgh.​

Description: Yellowcraig Beach is a picturesque sandy beach backed by dunes and woodlands, offering views of Fidra Island.​

Tide Times: Tide times can vary; it's advisable to check local tide charts for North Berwick or nearby areas.​

Access & Parking: A car park is located close to the beach, with a short walk through dunes to reach the shore.​

Facilities:

  • Public restrooms

  • Picnic areas​

  • Waste bins at the car park​

Tips:

  • The beach is popular with families; ensure dogs are under control, especially during peak times.

  • Explore the adjacent woodlands for a varied walking experience.

5. Gullane Bents

Location: Gullane, East Lothian, about 20 miles east of Edinburgh.​

Description: Gullane Bents offers a vast expanse of sandy beach, backed by dunes and renowned for its cleanliness and beauty.​

Tide Times: Consult tide charts specific to the Gullane area

Access & Parking: A large car park is available, with a short path leading to the beach.​

Facilities:

  • Public restrooms​

  • Picnic spots​

  • Waste disposal facilities​

Tips:

  • Be aware of local wildlife and ground-nesting birds; keep dogs on a lead in sensitive areas.​

  • The beach is popular with windsurfers; ensure dogs are kept at a safe distance.​

6. Longniddry Bents

Location: Approximately 12 miles east of Edinburgh, in East Lothian.​

Description: Longniddry Bents offers a series of sandy and rocky beaches, backed by grasslands, providing a diverse environment for dogs to explore.​

Tide Times: Tide times for Longniddry Bents are similar to those for Longniddry Beach. For accurate and up-to-date tide information, refer to local tide charts. ​

Access & Parking: Multiple car parks are available along the A198, providing direct access to different sections of the beach.​

Facilities:

  • Public restrooms​

  • Picnic areas​

  • Waste bins at parking areas​

    Tips:

  • Be cautious of tidal changes, as certain areas can become isolated during high tides.​fisherrowyachtclub.com

  • Ideal for bird watching; however, keep dogs on a lead in sensitive areas to protect wildlife.​

7. Seacliff Beach

Location: Near North Berwick, East Lothian, about 25 miles east of Edinburgh.​

Description: Seacliff Beach is a hidden gem featuring a secluded sandy beach with views of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock.​

Tide Times: Tide times for Seacliff Beach are similar to those for North Berwick. For accurate and up-to-date tide information, refer to local tide charts. ​

Access & Parking: Access is via a private road with a small fee; parking is available close to the beach.​

Facilities:

  • Limited facilities; no public restrooms​

  • Waste bins near the parking area​

  • Tips:

  • The beach is privately managed; respect any posted guidelines.​

  • The area is popular with surfers; ensure dogs are kept at a safe distance from water activities.​

8. Belhaven Bay

Location: Near Dunbar, East Lothian, approximately 30 miles east of Edinburgh.​

Description: Belhaven Bay is part of the John Muir Country Park, offering extensive sandy beaches and salt marshes, ideal for long walks with your dog.​

Tide Times: Tide times for Belhaven Bay are similar to those for Dunbar. For accurate and up-to-date tide information, refer to local tide charts. ​

Access & Parking: A car park is available at the east end of the beach, with paths leading directly to the shore.​

Facilities:

  • Public restrooms​

  • Picnic areas​

  • Waste bins at the car park​

Tips:

  • The beach is expansive; be mindful of tidal flats that can extend far out during low tide.​

  • Check tide times to avoid being caught by incoming tides, especially when walking towards the "Bridge to Nowhere."​

9. Aberlady Bay

Location: East Lothian, about 18 miles east of Edinburgh.​

Description: Aberlady Bay is a local nature reserve featuring extensive sand and mudflats, salt marshes, and dunes, providing a rich habitat for wildlife.​

Tide Times: Tide times for Aberlady Bay are similar to those for Longniddry. For accurate and up-to-date tide information, refer to local tide charts. ​

Access & Parking: A small car park is located near the reserve entrance, with a footpath leading to the beach area.​

Facilities:

  • No public restrooms​

  • Information boards about the reserve​

  • Waste bins at the car park​

Tips:

  • Dogs should be kept on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds and other wildlife.​

  • Be aware of sinking sands and fast-moving tides; avoid walking too far out during low tide.​

10. Musselburgh Beach

Location: Approximately 6 miles east of Edinburgh city centre.​

Description: Musselburgh Beach offers a mix of sandy and rocky areas along the Firth of Forth, with a promenade ideal for leisurely walks.​

Tide Times: Tide times for Musselburgh Beach are similar to those for Leith. For accurate and up-to-date tide information, refer to local tide charts. ​

Access & Parking: Parking is available near Fisherrow Harbour, with easy access to the beach and promenade.​fisherrowyachtclub.com

Facilities:

  • Public restrooms near the harbour​

  • Cafes and shops nearby​

  • Waste bins along the promenade​

    TIDE INFORMATION

  1. Portobello Beach

  2. Cramond Beach

  3. Silverknowes Beach

  4. Yellowcraig Beach

  5. Gullane Bents

  6. Longniddry Bents

  7. Seacliff Beach

  8. Belhaven Bay

  9. Aberlady Bay

  10. Musselburgh Beach

    • Location: Approximately 6 miles east of Edinburgh city centre.

    • Met Office Tide Times: Musselburgh Beach Tide Times

General Tips for Visiting Beaches with Dogs:

  • Tide Awareness: Always check tide times before your visit to ensure safety and ample beach space.​

  • Local Regulations: Observe any local bylaws or seasonal restrictions regarding dogs on beaches.​

  • Wildlife Protection: Keep dogs under control to protect wildlife, especially in nature reserves and during nesting seasons.​

  • Clean Up After Your Dog: Always bring waste bags and dispose of dog waste properly to keep the beaches clean and enjoyable for everyone.​

Enjoy your beach outings with your canine companion!

Ronnie McBride
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