If you’re looking for a stunning coastal walk that combines beautiful scenery, rich wildlife, and a sense of tranquility, look no further than this walk at St Abbs Head. Set along the picturesque Berwickshire coast, this walk offers a perfect escape from the everyday rush. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply after a leisurely day outdoors, the St Abbs Head Walk promises an enjoyable day.

Getting There

By Car
Start at the National Trust for Scotland car park just outside St Abbs village — simply follow signs for the St Abbs Nature Reserve. Non‑members should be aware there’s a parking charge. You’ll also find facilities here, including a café for a pre‑walk caffeine boost.

By Public Transport
St Abbs is accessible without a car.

• The nearest train station is Reston (6 miles away), connected by the on‑demand Pingo bus service.
• From Edinburgh, you can reach the Reserve using a combination of Borders Buses and East Coast Buses, with drop‑off available on demand at the Nature Reserve car park.
• Alternatively, travel to Berwick‑upon‑Tweed by train and continue by bus or taxi to St Abbs.

The Walk

Start Point: National Trust for Scotland Car Park (TD14 5QF)
Distance: 4.4 miles
Time:  Approx. 2 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

The walk begins just on the edge of the charming fishing village of St Abbs, known for its picturesque harbour, friendly locals and its cameo as New Asgard in the Game of Thrones series. As you set off on the walk, you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by the beauty of the Berwickshire coastline.

From the car park, the path descents past the ‘Twinned with New Asgard’ sign. This is a lower level walk, and after a short time you pop out on the coast, before heading up the headland.

A well defined path leads you upward and onto the headland, offering sweeping views back towards St.Abbs, and ahead to the dramatic cliffs. The path hugs the coastline with a descending to a sheltered cove, where in the summer months you can see the seals and their newborn pups basking on the rocks.

The path then rises inland briefly before returning to the cliff edge and the stunning coastline. As long as the sea stays on your right, you are on track. Before long, the St.Abbs lighthouse comes into view.

Just above the lighthouse is a small National Trust for Scotland hut with information about the area’s history – a welcome spot to shelter from the wind. The lighthouse complex itself is private and used as holiday accommodation so access is limited to the exterior.

Continue past the lighthouse you come across the parking area, and a tarmac road. The route follows this road for a short while, heading downhill to Pettico Wick.

Pettico Wick & Final Stretch

Pettico Wick, nestled in a dramatic rocky cove, was once a bustling harbour used for transporting stone from nearby quarries. Today, it’s a quiet, windswept spot where the waves crash against the cliffs and seabirds wheel overhead. It’s a perfect place to pause, breathe in the salty air, and soak up the wild beauty of the coast.

From here, the path loops gently back inland, skirting the edge of Mire Loch — a freshwater haven for bird life. If you’re lucky, you might spot swans gliding across the water or hear the rustle of warblers in the reeds. The final stretch leads you back toward the car park, with one last panoramic view of the headland to seal the memory.

Tips for the Trail

• Bring binoculars — the cliffs are home to guillemots, razorbills, and puffins in spring and summer.
• Wear sturdy shoes, especially after rain, as the paths can be muddy in places.
• Pack a snack or picnic to enjoy at Pettico Wick or near Mire Loch — there are benches with views that beg for a linger.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing puffins, sketching sea stacks, or simply walking off your lunch from the café, the St Abbs Head walk offers a soul-refreshing blend of nature, history, and cinematic charm. It’s the type of place that stays with you — in windswept hair, salt-kissed cheeks, and the quiet thrill of discovering somewhere truly special.