Woodland camping near Musselburgh
Steeped in history, the East Lothian town of Musselburgh offers easy access to coastal adventures.
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Woodland camping near Musselburgh guide
Overview
Just five miles (eight kilometres) east of Edinburgh, the historic town of Musselburgh makes for a tranquil getaway from the capital city. Lying along the shores of the Firth of Forth, Musselburgh offers easy access to the beaches of Portobello and Joppa and is home to three golf clubs, including one of the world’s oldest. The town’s racecourse track, attractively situated on a meadow, is also a major draw. From simple caravan pitches glamping lodges with hot tubs, campers will find plenty to pick from.
Where to go
In Town
The eastern side of Musselburgh is home to the Royal Musselburgh Golf Course and such attractions as the Prestongrange industrial and heritage museum. Close to where the 134-mile (216-kilometer) John Muir Way coast-to-coast walking and cycling route passes, Drummohr Holiday Park has pitches for tents and tourers, as well as a range of glamping options, from pods to bothy-style cabins and lodges with hot tubs.
Gullane
Twelve miles (19 kilometres) east along the coast, the little village of Gullane is home to one of East Lothian’s most beautiful beaches, the sand dune-backed Gullane Bay (a top choice for wild swimming), as well as several golf courses. Lying between Musselburgh and Gullane, the family-friendly Seton Sands Holiday Park has its own nine-hole course, as well as a heated indoor swimming pool.
Pentland Hills
The sprawling Pentland Hills Regional Park lies 10 miles (16 kilometres) southwest of Musselburgh and has more than 62 miles (100 kilometres) of waymarked foot, cycle and horseback paths. At the park’s northeastern point, Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park has grass and hardstanding pitches for tents, motorhomes, campervans and caravans, as well as a selection of glamping pods.
When to go
This stretch of coast along the Firth of Forth is known for its often sunny conditions. A summer visit is the best time to enjoy it at its best and take advantage of the opportunities for swimming, hiking, golfing and more. This is also the busy season, however, especially over the Scottish school holidays in July and August. September is a good alternative as the biggest crowds will have gone but the weather should still be warm.
Know before you go
- If choosing to wild camp, be sure to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- You can reach Musselburgh in just five minutes by train from Edinburgh; by bus it takes around 30 minutes. Local buses can also connect you to attractions along the coast, including Gullane and North Berwick.
- You can easily stock up on groceries at Musselburgh’s well-stocked supermarkets. If you can’t find something, Edinburgh is just minutes away.
