Day 3: Hiking from Prestonpans to Edinburgh – Musselburgh to the Meadows
Join me on an immersive hiking adventure as we journey through diverse landscapes on Day 3 of my trek from Prestonpans to Edinburgh. Though today’s hike was expected to be easier, my body still felt the weight of the past few days. Nevertheless, the day was filled with rich stories and beautiful scenery, making every step worthwhile.
We begin our hike with a scenic walk across Musselburgh Bay. The town of Musselburgh, steeped in history, is home to the world’s oldest golf course, Musselburgh Links, dating back over 350 years. Strolling the beach at low tide, the views of the bay are breathtaking, offering a calm and reflective start to the day. There’s something serene about beach walking at low tide, the exposed sands stretching out into the distance, inviting exploration.
Watch the introduction to Musselburgh Bay:
After spending some time taking in the views of Musselburgh Beach, I head toward Fisherrow Harbor. Approaching the harbor from the ocean side at low tide is something I had never considered before, but it turned out to be one of the most special parts of the day. Walking into the harbor from this unique angle made me appreciate the beauty of the Scottish coastline even more. It’s the small discoveries like this that make every hike memorable.
See my approach to Fisherrow Harbor:
As I continue the hike, Arthur’s Seat comes into view. This natural landmark towers over Edinburgh and is a prominent feature of the landscape. Walking past Arthur’s Seat, we head towards the famous Innocent Tunnel, part of the historic Innocent Railway. Built in the early 19th century, the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway was originally horse-drawn and carried coal and passengers. Walking through the tunnel, it’s easy to imagine the early days of Scottish railways and the lives of the people who used this route for travel and trade. The tunnel offers a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s industrial past and is a unique stop on today’s hike.
Learn more about the Innocent Railway and Tunnel:
Finally, the hike leads into Edinburgh’s Greens, specifically The Meadows, a vast park system near the University of Edinburgh. The Meadows is the perfect place to reflect on the day’s journey. Its open green spaces, filled with students, families, and fellow hikers, provide a sense of calm as I wind down the day. After a long walk, it feels good to take a moment to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this historic city.
Watch the hike end in The Meadows:
This 10.5-mile trek, taking us from Musselburgh Bay to the heart of Edinburgh, showcases the diverse landscapes and rich history of the Scottish countryside. From quiet beach walks to bustling harbors, historic tunnels, and peaceful parks, this hike is a reminder that every step offers something new to discover.
Keywords:
- Musselburgh hiking
- Scottish coastline walks
- Prestonpans to Edinburgh hike
- Innocent Railway Tunnel
- Fisherrow Harbor
- Arthur’s Seat hike