John Muir Country Park

The coastal path at John Muir Country Park kicks off right by Dunbar, and within minutes you've left the town completely behind. Named after the Scottish naturalist who went on to inspire America's national parks, this 750-acre reserve sweeps across woodland, grassland and beach in a way that feels genuinely wild despite being so close to civilisation.

What you get is proper walking country. The main trail loops through woodland first - mostly beech and sycamore - before opening out onto shale beach and grassland that rolls down to the Firth of Forth. On clear days you can see across to Fife. The paths are well-maintained and clearly marked, ranging from gentle forest walks to windier sections along the coast where the views compensate for the exposed feel.

It's superb for families who can manage a couple of miles on foot. Kids don't need constant entertainment when there's a beach to explore and paths to discover - you could easily spend three hours here without rushing. History buffs might appreciate that Dunbar Castle lies just along the coast, though what remains is fairly minimal.

The park is free to access and open year-round, though autumn and spring are genuinely lovely when it's not too muddy underfoot. If you're staying at Belhaven Bay Caravan Park just down the coast, this is basically on your doorstep - ten minutes' drive at most. Worth building a half-day around it rather than treating it as a quick diversion. The woodland section alone justifies that.