Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve

Britain's first Local Nature Reserve (designated 1952), Aberlady Bay stretches along the East Lothian coast between Aberlady and Gullane and is managed by East Lothian Council's Countryside Ranger Service. It's a wonderful free day out for families: cross the famous 'footbridge to enchantment', explore the sandy beach and dunes, and spot wildlife - up to 30,000 pink-footed geese roost in the bay in autumn, alongside wading birds and migrants, roe deer, and occasionally dolphins offshore. The reserve supports over 550 plant species across saltmarsh, mudflats, sand dunes, coastal grassland, woodland pockets and a freshwater lochan. Follow the John Muir Way along the coast and, at low tide, look for the remains of two midget submarines on the sands. Please keep to the paths - the bay has fast-moving incoming tides, and the reserve is a haven for birds, so dogs are not permitted. A small car park is located just off the A198 east of Aberlady village, with a toilet adjacent; East Coast Buses services pass by the reserve.