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| Longniddry Bents |
Longniddry Bents attracts the largest number of visitors of any countryside site in East Lothian. It is easily accessible to the urban populations of the west of the county, and is the nearest extensive sandy beach to Edinburgh. As well as the long sandy beach, there are rock pools to explore, and fine views looking towards Edinburgh and the Forth Bridges from the car park at Ferny Ness.
The more sheltered Gosford Bay offers the chance to wander in more solitude on the busiest days. This area is also popular with wading birds. The muddier sand exposed at low-tide is rich in the birds invertebrate food, and the rocky outcrops offer roosting sites when the tide has covered the feeding grounds.
Visitor Information
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Longniddry Bents lies 1.5km east of Port Seton, immediately to the north of Longniddry Village. It stretches for approximately 4.5 km taking in part of Seton Sands and the broad sweep of Gosford Bay.
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There are three car parks which all lie adjacent to the B1358 and A198 coast road and are well signposted. Parking is free all year round.
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Longniddry Railway Station is in easy walking distance of the beach, and there is a regular bus service to Longniddry and Port Seton, for details contact Traveline on 0800 23 23 23.
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Seasonal toilet facilities, including disabled toilets, are available on site.
Natural History
The large areas of semi-natural coastal grassland at Longniddry Bents are of particular interest. The low nutrient levels of the soil and the exposure to sea winds and salt spray make it difficult for large, vigorous plants to become established. This allows a larger species mix to occur, including some that are relatively rare elsewhere. In spring the grasslands are dominated by cowslips, often known as St. Peter's Keys because of the shape of the dangling flower-heads. This flush of yellow eventually gives way to a riot of purple, as bloody cranesbill takes over, often forming dense carpets.
Despite the large number of visitors, a variety of bird species are able to breed here. Grey partridge can nest in the grassland often a few feet away from an unsuspecting walker, and chiffchaff, willow warbler and reed bunting can be heard calling from the scrub. The burns crossing the bents are home to a small population of water voles. These small mammals are now increasingly rare, mostly due to habitat loss, but are still managing to cling on here at Longniddry Bents.
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