
Pressmennan Wood
A magical woodland escape in East Lothian with a serene lake, enchanting fairy houses, and peaceful walking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Baby wildlife and blooming nature

Pressmennan Wood
Best Time
Baby wildlife and blooming nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical woodland escape in East Lothian with a serene lake, enchanting fairy houses, and peaceful walking trails.
"The most magical place, where you can lose yourself and find yourself among the trees."

🚗 Pothole Preparedness
Drive slowly on the access road; it's rough! Limited parking means early arrival is key.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Muddy paths, especially by the lake, require waterproof boots.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enchanted Woodland Trails
Throughout the woods
Wander through magical woods with hidden fairy houses and carved 'Glingbobs' and 'Tooflits'.

Tranquil Lake Views
Pressmennan Lake
Enjoy peaceful moments by the lake, watching swans glide and soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Wildlife Spotting
Woodland and lakeside paths
Keep an eye out for deer and various mini-beasts, making it an exciting walk for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Potholes
Footwear and Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Pothole Preparedness
Drive slowly on the access road; it's rough! Limited parking means early arrival is key.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Muddy paths, especially by the lake, require waterproof boots.
🧚♀️ Fairy House Hunt
Look for the charming 'Glingbobs' and 'Tooflits' hidden in the trees – fun for kids!
🦢 Lakeside Serenity
Enjoy the peaceful lake views and watch the swans glide by.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Pothole Preparedness
Drive slowly on the access road; it's rough! Limited parking means early arrival is key.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Muddy paths, especially by the lake, require waterproof boots.
🧚♀️ Fairy House Hunt
Look for the charming 'Glingbobs' and 'Tooflits' hidden in the trees – fun for kids!
🦢 Lakeside Serenity
Enjoy the peaceful lake views and watch the swans glide by.
🚫 No Bins Available
Pack out everything you pack in to keep the woods pristine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pressmennan Wood for its magical woodland atmosphere, tranquil lake, and the charming fairy houses that delight all ages. It's a peaceful escape, though the limited parking and rough access road are noted drawbacks. The natural beauty and wildlife sightings make it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a quiet, enchanting walk.
"Visited the woods a few years ago and enjoyed it enough I decided to revisit.
Unfortunately the dirt track leading from the single track road towards the car park is still pretty badly full of potholes - which is fine if you have a 4x4, not so great if you don't but if you go slowly it's not so bad. Limited parking - would say enough spaces for about 10 cars max (so long as everyone parks considerately). No bins available, but despite this I didn't see any litter lying around except for the occasional dog mess.
Decided to walk up towards the picnic area/viewpoint expecting to have a nice view at the top - maybe on a brighter day you can see further afield, but all I saw was the tops of the trees! There is one bench, but no picnic/table benches so if you're planning a picnic there bear this in mind.
The walk from this point through the trees is really nice and I was lucky enough to spot a deer. There are steps down at the furthest end, but they're not steep so should be fine for most walkers. Walked back to the car park via the riverside walk, which is really lovely and there are a couple of benches along the way to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Would recommend it as a great place to go for a walk, especially with a dog, but it was very muddy in places so would recommend suitable footwear. Easy enough to find following satnav instructions, but just be aware of the potholes!"
Stacey Dougal
"Great walk. You'll need sturdy boots if you're taking the lakeside walk"
Phil Hope
"Awesome Place! popped in for a country side walk with little one in Spring. Junior loved it. Make sure you know how to get there before you leave home though, its one of those places that if you know where you are going its easy to find otherwise it can be difficult. The paths are easy to walk for the able bodied, the views are beautiful. The references to the fairies periodically are amusing for little ones and older ones alike. Took about an hour to walk round the short walk with a 3yr old. Lots of mini beasts to spot, wild life to listen to and stumps and rocks and mounds of earth to jump on and over and go around. Will revisit."
Kris Barl0w
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pressmennan Wood is located in East Lothian, Scotland. While satnav can guide you, be aware that the access road has significant potholes, so drive slowly. Parking is very limited, with space for about 10 cars, so arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends.
It can be tricky if you don't know the way. Following satnav is helpful, but be prepared for the rough access track. Knowing your route beforehand is advised.
Parking is extremely limited, with space for only around 10 cars. It can be challenging to find a spot, particularly during peak times like weekends.
Public transport options are limited for direct access to Pressmennan Wood. It's best reached by car. The nearest towns like North Berwick are accessible by bus from Edinburgh, but you would likely need a taxi or a longer walk from there.
The dirt track leading to the car park is known for its potholes. While manageable at a slow pace for most cars, a 4x4 is ideal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pressmennan Wood is a natural woodland area and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to explore.
Pressmennan Wood is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
There is no admission fee to visit Pressmennan Wood. It's a publicly accessible natural space.
While there are no official closing times, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the surroundings.
The main considerations are the limited parking and the rough access road. It's a natural environment, so visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife and leave no trace.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Pressmennan Wood offers various paths, including a lovely riverside walk and woodland trails. Some paths have steps, but they are not steep. The lakeside walk is particularly scenic but can be muddy.
Yes, children often love Pressmennan Wood, especially the fairy houses and 'Glingbobs' hidden in the trees. The terrain is generally easy to navigate for little ones, with stumps and rocks to jump over.
Visitors have reported spotting deer and various mini-beasts. The lake is also home to swans, adding to the natural beauty.
There is a picnic area with one bench, but no picnic tables. If you plan a picnic, be prepared to sit on the ground or bring your own portable seating.
Autumn offers stunning colors, while spring is great for spotting baby wildlife. The woodland is beautiful year-round, offering different experiences in each season.
📸 📸 Photography
The tranquil lake with its swans, the autumn foliage, and the whimsical fairy houses offer excellent photographic opportunities. Drone footage captures the woodland from a unique perspective.
Drone photography has been captured at Pressmennan Wood, showcasing the autumn woodland from above. Always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive woodland and lake. A macro lens can be useful for photographing the small details like fairy houses and insects.
Yes, with patience, you can photograph swans on the lake and potentially deer or smaller creatures in the woods. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful soft light. Overcast days can also be good for woodland photography, reducing harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind the limited parking and the muddy paths, so plan your visit accordingly. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is a must for little explorers. The short walk around the lake and through the woods can take about an hour with a young child, offering plenty of opportunities to spot mini-beasts and listen to wildlife.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Dog Walkers
It's also a dog-friendly location, with plenty of space for canine companions to explore. Just remember to bring suitable footwear for yourself and your dog, as the paths can get muddy. The riverside walk offers a particularly pleasant route for dog walkers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchantment of Pressmennan Wood
The Pressmennan Lake is a focal point, offering tranquil views and a chance to spot wildlife like swans gliding gracefully on the water. The surrounding woods provide a beautiful backdrop, especially during autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold. The various paths cater to different walking abilities, though some can be muddy, especially the lakeside route, so appropriate footwear is essential.
Beyond the visual appeal, Pressmennan Wood offers a sense of peace and solitude. It's a place where you can truly lose yourself and reconnect with nature. The absence of bins encourages visitors to practice 'leave no trace' principles, helping to preserve the natural beauty of this special spot.
Navigating and Accessing Pressmennan Wood
Parking at Pressmennan Wood is extremely limited, with space for only about ten cars. This means that arriving early, particularly on weekends or during peak seasons, is highly recommended to secure a spot. Visitors are advised to park considerately to maximize the available space.
For those without a car, reaching Pressmennan Wood can be challenging. While nearby towns like North Berwick are accessible by public transport from Edinburgh, further travel to the wood would likely involve a taxi or a significant walk. The effort to reach it is often rewarded by the tranquility and unique charm of the location.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit