St Abbs is a little fishing village on the South East coast of Scotland. You could easily spend a few hours to half a day here to split up a journey to/from Scotland as it’s only just over 50 miles south of Edinburgh. The fresh sea air being a great break and the views are stunning.
Getting to St Abbs
As I’ve said it’s around 50 miles south of Edinburgh. It’s around 80 miles north of Newcastle so also a good day trip if you’re visiting the North East. If you need somewhere to stay in the North East I can recommend, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead or for some spa luxury it has to be Seaham Hall. If you’re looking to explore Northumberland then The Lord Crewe Bamburgh is a great base.
To get to St Abbs you’ll need your own transport though the National Trust for Scotland page does mention a bus from Berwick (which is 14 miles south of St Abbs) and if you’re staying nearby and a keen cyclist, there are bike racks in the reserve car park.
If you’re a National Trust member you’ll get free parking, otherwise it’s £3. I found the car park a little tricky to navigate – meaning we drove straight past the turn and I had to turn around in the harbour car park. Oops. I was following sat nav though, so if you visit look for the signs and follow that rather than whatever app you’re using.
You could park in the harbour then walk up to the cliffs, but what’s quite handy about the National Trust car park is the signage to help with guiding your walk. Just nearby, past the glamping pods (what a lovely place to stay!) there’s information on the wildlife you can see, what’s been spotted recently and a little cafe and toilets. This is your last spot before the coastal walk for refreshments.
St Abb’s Head walk
The nature reserve boasts some impressive coastal views. It’s well worth taking in some sea air on a cliff top walk. I’d recommend taking snacks and water for your walk as it is a remote nature reserve. It’s not a long walk and the National Trust for Scotland website offers some walking routes so you can pick what suits. It’s worth noting that some parts can be tricky underfoot with loose gravel and quite steep banks so take care. Oh and have a waterproof. You never know, it is Scotland!
In terms of my attire, I wore my Acai Max Stretch Skinnies (my go to trousers for hikes) some Nike trail trainers and a quarter zip long sleeve top. I had a waterproof jacket in my backpack, along with snacks and drinks. Depending on the time of year you might need more layers, especially allowing for a coastal breeze.
St Abbs Harbour
If you’re a Marvel or Harry Styles fan, it’ll look familiar to you. New Asgard ring any bells? Or maybe to you that harbour looks suspiciously like Eroda from a certain music video? It’s always fun to visit locations and St Abbs is one that really lives up to the hype. I particularly like how they’ve kept the sign on the way into the village says ‘twinned with New Asgard’. It previously was down by the harbour but it’s better suited here I think then you’ll spot it as you’re driving into the village. I’d recommend visiting the harbour. Of course you can see it from your cliff walk, but there’s cafes there. Why not get coffee and enjoy the view?
Well, the view speaks for itself I think! Have you been to St Abbs or is it somewhere you’d like to visit?
1 Comment
Love this Tasha! I’d never heard of St Abbs before but I’ve added it to my list!