The Wilderness

Walking into The Wilderness near Dunbar is like stepping through a door into someone else's overgrown garden - except the scale is proper immense. This isn't a manicured forest trail; it's a genuine woodland that's been left to do its own thing, all twisted trees, undergrowth that actually looks wild, and paths that feel more discovered than built.

You'll find yourself wandering through dense woodland where the light gets filtered and strange, the kind of place where kids actually get excited rather than asking how much longer. There's a real sense of exploration here - no neon signs pointing you in the right direction, no gift shop at the end. Just trees, space, and the occasional moment where you genuinely wonder if you've gone slightly off course.

The forest works brilliantly if you're staying at Belhaven Bay Caravan Park just down the road. You can knock off a decent walk here - budget two to three hours if you want to properly wander rather than rush - without needing to drive miles away. It's the kind of spot that breaks up a beach holiday nicely, gives the legs a proper stretch.

Timing-wise, spring and early summer are when it looks best, though honestly autumn here is atmospheric in a way that'll actually give you shivers. The ground can get boggy after rain, so waterproof boots aren't optional in winter. Opening hours and admission fees weren't clear when I looked, so ring Dunbar tourist information before you go - it'll save the bother of a wasted journey.