North Berwick Law
Conical volcanic plug offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and sea, with a unique whale jawbone landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
North Berwick Law
Best Time
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conical volcanic plug offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and sea, with a unique whale jawbone landmark.
"Stunning views await from a surprisingly accessible climb, making it a truly rewarding experience."
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The path can be steep and uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.
Check the weather :cloud:
Conditions can change quickly. Be prepared for wind, even on sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Panorama
Top of North Berwick Law
Breathtaking 360-degree views of the coastline, islands, and the Firth of Forth. A truly rewarding sight.
Replica Whale Jawbone
Summit
An iconic landmark at the peak, this striking sculpture adds a unique touch to the already impressive scenery.
Volcanic Plug Formation
North Berwick Law
Explore the fascinating geological history of this ancient volcanic plug, sculpted by glaciers over millions of years.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
What to Pack for the Law
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The path can be steep and uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.
Check the weather :cloud:
Conditions can change quickly. Be prepared for wind, even on sunny days.
Bring water & snacks :water_wave:
There are no facilities at the summit, so pack essentials for your hike.
Sunrise hike reward :sunrise:
Waking up early for a sunrise climb offers stunning light and fewer people.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The path can be steep and uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.
Check the weather :cloud:
Conditions can change quickly. Be prepared for wind, even on sunny days.
Bring water & snacks :water_wave:
There are no facilities at the summit, so pack essentials for your hike.
Sunrise hike reward :sunrise:
Waking up early for a sunrise climb offers stunning light and fewer people.
Great day trip from Edinburgh :train2:
Easily accessible by train, making it a perfect escape from the city.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise North Berwick Law for its stunning, panoramic views and surprisingly accessible climb. The unique whale jawbone landmark and the rewarding summit experience make it a highly recommended destination, especially on clear days. Some note the potential for wind and the lack of facilities, advising preparedness.
"Stunning views await from a surprisingly accessible climb. Due to its shape of shear on the town and sea side of the law to shallower on the country side you get a pleasant walk with great verticality ultimately. We went in fine but windy weather, I wouldn’t attempt it in rain"
Tim Walker
"A good exhausting climb to the top of the hill.
The views from the top are worth the effort!
North Berwick Law is a conical volcanic plug and a popular landmark in East Lothian, Scotland, that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and Firth of Forth. Formed over 300 million years ago, it's now a prominent crag-and-tail formation sculpted by glaciers. The summit is capped by a replica whale jawbone, a WWII bunker, and a path provides an accessible way to the top, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists.
The grasslands are home to unique plant species, and the bare rock provides a habitat for specialized mosses and lichens. Exmoor ponies are sometimes used to graze the area to maintain the grassland."
John McGinniss
"Top of the North Berwick Law it gives a beautiful bird eye view of North Berwick, lovely path to walk on the top if anyone want to walk through the path or walk through the stiff bit of stones…
Which ever you choose top of the hill is amazing, especially if it is bright sunny day…
Stunning view of the Island near by."
Kamms Sin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by train from Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick, which takes about 35 minutes. 
Yes, there is free parking available near the base of North Berwick Law, with plenty of spaces often found on sunny days.
Absolutely! The town of North Berwick is right at the foot of the Law, making it a very accessible walk from the seafront and shops.
Yes, North Berwick is well-served by trains from Edinburgh, making it a convenient public transport destination for a day trip.
The trailhead is clearly visible from North Berwick town. You can simply walk towards the prominent hill, and signs will guide you to the start of the path.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to North Berwick Law is completely free. It's a public hill and a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
North Berwick Law is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the views.
There is no entrance fee. Climbing North Berwick Law is a free outdoor activity.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but always be mindful of the natural environment and any local guidelines. Visiting during daylight is recommended.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. The views are best enjoyed in daylight.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The climb is surprisingly accessible and usually takes between 30-60 minutes round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
It's considered a moderate climb. While steep in parts, the path is well-maintained and offers spots to rest, making it doable for most fitness levels.
From the summit, you'll get panoramic views of North Berwick town, the coastline, Bass Rock, and across the Firth of Forth to the Fife coast on a clear day.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms or cafes at the summit or along the main path. You'll find these in North Berwick town.
Yes, with supervision, children can enjoy the climb. The rewarding views and the whale jawbone at the top are often a hit with younger visitors.
Yes, North Berwick Law is known for its trachyte rock, offering some climbing routes. However, the rock can be slippery, and grades may feel harder.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for photography, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
You can capture stunning panoramic landscapes, close-ups of the whale jawbone, and the unique volcanic rock formations. The town and sea views are also excellent subjects.
The entire summit area provides excellent vantage points. The area around the whale jawbone and the edge overlooking the town are particularly popular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for sunrise/sunset shots. Even a smartphone can capture beautiful images.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, and encourage kids to look out for the unique plants and rock formations. The views from the top are also a great way to teach children about geography and the surrounding landscape. Consider making a day of it by exploring North Berwick town afterwards. The beach offers space to run around, and the town has cafes perfect for a post-hike treat.
The accessibility from Edinburgh by train also makes it a stress-free option for a family day out. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Remember to wear appropriate footwear and check the weather, as it can be windy at the summit. Nature lovers will appreciate the unique flora and fauna found on the Law, including specialized mosses and lichens.
The peaceful atmosphere at the top, especially outside of peak times, allows for a serene connection with nature. 📸 Photographers
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive panoramas. Don't forget to capture the details too – the textures of the rock, the hardy plants, and the charming town of North Berwick below.
The changing weather can also add drama to your photographs, so be prepared for dynamic skies. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of North Berwick Law
Over millennia, glacial activity sculpted the landscape, creating the distinctive 'crag and tail' formation where the harder volcanic rock (the crag) protected softer rock behind it from erosion (the tail). This geological history is a key part of the Law's unique appearance and its enduring presence on the East Lothian coastline. The summit itself is capped with a replica whale jawbone, a prominent landmark that replaced earlier sets. This, along with remnants of old lookout posts from the 18th century and World War II bunkers, speaks to the Law's historical significance as a vantage point.
The surrounding grasslands are also noteworthy, sometimes grazed by Exmoor ponies to maintain their unique plant species and support specialized mosses and lichens on the bare rock. Hiking and Activities on the Law
For the more adventurous, North Berwick Law also offers rock climbing opportunities on its trachyte rock faces.
While the rock can be slippery and challenging, it attracts climbers looking for a unique outdoor experience. The annual North Berwick Law Race is a testament to the Law's appeal for athletic pursuits, with runners racing to the top and back from the harbor. +1 Even if you're not participating in the race, watching runners tackle the incline can be an interesting sight. North Berwick: A Coastal Gem
Visitors often enjoy strolling along the seafront, indulging in fish and chips, and exploring the local shops. The town also offers unique experiences, like enjoying coffee and cake in cliff-edge boxes with spectacular views. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit