The villages of Pencaitland and Ormiston are located about four miles south of Tranent. Both villages are built in the valley of the Tyne Water and have buildings dating from the 18th century. Ormiston is said to be Scotland's first planned village and has a very attractive main street.

A number of paths have been developed in this area, following old rights of way and plantation walks through Winton Estate. The Pencaitland Railway Walk links the two villages and there are a number of circular routes that can be walked in the surrounding countryside. There are also a great number of informal paths around each village.

The landscape around Pencaitland and Ormiston is gently undulating farmland and woodland, so most of the walks are reasonably level, although some of the less formal paths may be muddy after wet weather.