Whitesands

The beach at Whitesands stretches for miles along the East Lothian coast, all golden sand and genuine emptiness. It's the sort of place where you can walk for an hour and barely see another soul - which is precisely why it's worth the trip from Dunbar.

This is a proper nature reserve, not a manicured seafront. The dunes roll back from the shore, stabilized by marram grass and whatever hardy plants cope with salt spray. Waders work the tideline. In winter especially, you'll spot oystercatchers and curlews. Bring binoculars if you're into that sort of thing - the birding can be excellent depending on the season.

The walk itself is the whole point. Park near Dunbar and head along the coastal path - it's straightforward enough, though the sand can be heavy going underfoot. Most people manage two to three hours without complaint. Kids will exhaust themselves running about. Dog walkers absolutely love it.

Timing matters. Low tide gives you the widest beach and the best walking. The weather rolls in off the North Sea with impressive speed, so morning visits are generally clearer. Summer weekends see more bodies, but weekday visits in spring or autumn feel properly wild.

If you're based at Belhaven Bay Caravan Park just down the road, Whitesands is a brilliant half-day excursion. It won't keep you entertained all week, but for blowing the cobwebs clean and proper coastal walking, it's exactly what it should be.