Berwickshire Coastal Path - Berwick to St Abbs

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
24 kms	10:00 (hrs:mins)	50 metres	Explorer 346: Berwick upon Tweed

Description

The Berwickshire coast is an area of great natural beauty, magnificent birdlife, and a pleasure to walk along its stretch of coastline. There are sandstone cliffs reaching nearly 500 feet high in places as well as many small coves and natural harbours.

After leaving Berwick the path crosses the Border into Scotland and then passes through the village of Burnmouth before reaching Eyemouth, the only town on this stretch of coast and still a busy fishing port. The path then continues to Coldingham and St Abbs, two attractive villages.

Beyond St Abbs the walk extends into National Nature Reserve of St Abbs Head and continues on to the sandy beach of Pease Bay before turning inland to end at the quiet village of Cockburnspath.

Two days
Strong walkers might manage the route in two days, but there is so much to see we recommend three relaxing days.

Three days
Take time to enjoy all that the towns and villages along the way have to offer. This option entails tackling the longest day, between Cockburnspath and St Abbs in one go, to avoid leaving transport at Dowlaw.

Four days
Four day trips will require leaving transport at Dowlaw - this is not permitted overnight. This option allows plenty of time to explore Cove; Cockburnspath; Fast Castle at Dowlaw (entry not recommended:unguarded cliffs); St Abbs; Coldingham and Eyemouth.

Access Info

A good bus service runs between Berwick & Dunbar, calling in at Burnmouth, Eyemouth, Coldingham and St Abbs. For full timetables contact traveline 0870 6082608 or any Tourist Information Centre in the region 0870 6080404.

Additional Info

Birdlife - seabirds, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Fulmar, Shag, Puffin. Waders include Heron, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, Sandpiper, Curlew.

Butterflies - especially St Abbs - rare Northern Brown Argus can often be seen near rock nose, common blue, grayling, painted lady. The six-spot burnet moth is present in July.

Plants - Thrift in May/June, Gorse in early spring; Spring - primrose, cowslip, meadow, saxifrage, scurvy grass, early purple orchid; Early summer - ragged robin, meadowsweet, willow herb.

Eating and Accommodation is available in Berwick, Burnmouth, Eyemouth, Coldingham and St Abbs.