Yellowcraig

East Lothian

Yellowcraig is a natural cove beach with spectacular views to the lighthouse on Fidra Island, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's famous tale Treasure Island.
It is a popular family beach, with self guided booklet, barbecue site and a network of footpaths through the sheltered woodlands and extensive grassland. There is a dog walk away from the beach where dog bins are provided and the beach is good for horse riding too. A hard surface track provides wheelchair users with an opportunity to get to the top of the dunes on a hard standing area of decking. Yellowcraig has a large car park (fee applies) and a new toilet block with showers.

History

Yellowcraig, less commonly known as Broad Sands Bay, is a coastal area of forest, beach and grassland in East Lothian. Located on the John Muir Way, a 73-kilometre (45 mi) long distance footpath between Fisherrow, Musselburgh and Dunglass, named in honour of the conservationist John Muir, who was born in Dunbar. The John Muir Way is part of the North Sea Trail, a network of paths in 7 countries and 26 areas around the North Sea.

Natural Space

Yellowcraig is a pleasing mix of woodland, dune grassland and coast meaning there's much to attract people to this site.

The diversity of habitats at Yellowcraig ensure a rich assemblage of plants and animals are able to make this place their home. In summer orchids colour the low grasslands and seabirds wheel offshore. Whilst the seabirds may be around in winter too, the plants are not. Instead autumn colour is provided by grassland fungi and the turning leaves in the woods.

Setting

A visitor car park lies 270 metres (300 yd) south of the beach. The area includes information displays, a barbecue area and a Treasure Island themed adventure play park. WCs and showers are located at the car park. There is also a wheelchair accessible path and ramp giving a view over the beach. The island of Fidra, reputedly the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, lies just to the north-west and is an RSPB nature reserve.

Getting There

The nearest village is Dirleton and the nearest town is North Berwick. The beach is within walking distance (1km) from Dirleton and there is a regular bus service from North Berwick. The beach is sign posted from Main Street.

Water Quality Information

This beach is a designated bathing water site. Further information about water quality at this site can be found on the SEPA website. Please observe local signage and only swim where it is safe to do so.