Short birdwatching visit · East Lothian Council
Yellowcraig
- Tier
- Good stop nearby
- Best season
- All year; autumn–spring for Redshank
- Headline birds
- Shag · Redshank · Eider
- Parking
- Use the signed coastal car park; charges apply.
- Hides
- Not stated by the operator
- Step-free
- The council provides a wheelchair-accessible path and ramp with coastal views.
Near Dirleton
Yellowcraig combines a woodland approach with dune grassland and open views across the Firth of Forth towards Fidra. The council's site-specific wildlife guide names Eider and Shag throughout the year and Redshank from autumn to spring. It is a useful mainland coastal stop where the shore and offshore water can be scanned from public ground, without a landing on the islands. Paths, a coastal viewing ramp and nearby facilities allow different visit lengths. Keep clear of birds gathering on the shore and choose a shorter viewpoint visit if the exposed coast is uncomfortable.
Birds and seasons
- Shag · Headline bird — All year Source for Shag
- Redshank · Headline bird — Autumn to spring Source for Redshank
- Eider · Headline bird — All year Source for Eider
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Paths
- Public paths link woodland, grassland and the beach approach.
- Toilets
- Toilets and showers are listed on site.
- Parking
- Use the signed coastal car park; charges apply.
- Dogs
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Access notes
- The council provides a wheelchair-accessible path and ramp with coastal views.
- Step-free access
- The council provides a wheelchair-accessible path and ramp with coastal views.
Getting there: From the A198 turn into Dirleton and follow Yellowcraig signs to the car park at the end of the road. Buses stop in Dirleton, with a footpath or John Muir Way approach to the site.
Sources
Social preview: original typographic artwork by Does Your Duck Quack.
Nearby special trips
- Musselburgh Lagoons and Levenhall Links · 12.8 straight-line miles
- Cameron Reservoir · 16.2 straight-line miles
- Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve · 21.2 straight-line miles
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: Bass Rock and Scottish Seabird Centre, 2.4 miles away in a straight line.
- Brock Wood · 11.2 miles in a straight line
- Dumbarnie Links · 12.1 miles in a straight line
- Musselburgh Lagoons and Levenhall Links · 12.8 miles in a straight line