Longniddry Bents

Description

A narrow, 3km strip of coastal grassland, sand dune and beach with a mixed rocky and sandy shore. Longniddry Bents is a popular stretch of coast for recreational visits including walking, swimming, paddle sports and kite surfing. The John Muir Way route follows the coast through this section.

Natural history

Longniddry Bents is known best for its plant life. The base-rich soils have allowed a number of plants to flourish here that are only seen occasionally elsewhere in the county. In May, yellow cowslips are abundant, their nodding heads enabling you to tell them apart from their close relative, the primrose. Cowslips are quickly replaced by bloody cranesbill, bright pink-purple flowers that occur in clumps, particularly at the No. 3 car park.

Alongside the flowers, this section of coast attracts a number of sea duck and wading bird, together with sandwich terns during summer. The autumn sees red-necked grebes regularly forming a small flock in Gosford Bay, these attract a number of bird watchers and, again, No. 3 car park is the best place from where to look for them.

Large flocks of shorebirds including redshank, curlew, oystercatcher and ringed plover feed and rest in Gosford bay to the east of Longniddry bents. Please reduce disturbance by giving these birds plenty of space (40-50 metres) when walking here, especially if you have a dog with you.

Facilities

How to get there

By train

ScotRail The Edinburgh - North Berwick service stops every hour at Longniddry station. It is a 15 minute walk down to the coast from the station.

By bus

Lothian Bus service 26 serves Seton Sands, which is situated to the west of Longniddry Bents.

East Coast Buses service 124/X5 stops at Longniddry Bents number 3 car park which is situated to the east end of the Bents.

By car/bicycle

Three car parks off the B1348 / A198 serve this facility. Longniddry Bents number 1, 2 and 3. Vehicle height restriction may vary between 1.9m and 2.1m (approach with caution). Bicycle parking available.  

Parking charges

Parking charges apply to coastal car parks.