About This Place

Set within the John Muir Country Park, Belhaven is a wide stretch of sandy beach spanning approximately one mile in length; from the mouth of the River Tyne in the north, to the village of Belhaven on the outskirts of Dunbar to the south. --> The beach has lovely views out onto the Forth Estuary and the landscape here is a mixture of sand dunes, salt marshes, and grasslands as well as vast stretches of sand. This is an excellent destination for long walks, a picnic, or if the weather permits, for just sitting and appreciating the natural beauty of this place. Belhaven is also used for surfing and kite flying. Dogs must be kept under control on the beach. Parking can be found at the end of Shore Road in Belhaven and the beach is accessed by crossing a small bridge over a stream known, intriguingly, as “the bridge to nowhere”. The car park can also be the start of a cliff-top walk that takes visitors past the Winterfield Golf Course into the centre of Dunbar, next to the harbor. This walk offers spectacular views out to sea. There are good transport links to Dunbar, with the A1 passing nearby and a train station along the East Coast Main Line.  These days, Dunbar is largely a commuter town for Edinburgh. It has plenty of shops, restaurants, pubs, and places to stay.

💡 Our Take

Dunbar's Belhaven Beach in East Lothian is paw-fect for year-round doggy adventures! The vast sandy expanse allows for endless zoomies, and with no seasonal restrictions, dogs can enjoy it anytime. Parking is generally available, but nearby Dunbar offers additional amenities. The relatively shallow waters are usually safe for paddling, but always supervise your dog, especially if they're not strong swimmers. The wide, open space makes this ideal for big dogs who love to run, but also suitable for puppies who need gentle exploration. We think well-socialized dogs will thrive here!