Ample car parking is available at Longniddry Station on the East Coast Main Line. Exit by the stairs/ramp at the far end and pick up the pavement alongside the B1377. After a short walk, a blue sign directs us towards the cycle route on the right. We dive under the main line and pass a couple of cottages before doubling back to pick up the old branch route. An information point supplies the history of the Haddington railway. The surface is gravel and we initially parallel the existing tracks before curving away.
The first half of the walk follows an uphill gradient and we soon catch glimpses of Redhouse Castle over to our left. Another obvious landmark is the Hopetoun Monument that stands upon Byres Hill. The downhill approach to Haddington passes below the A1 and the underfoot conditions change to tarmac. The path stops short of the original terminus due to a modern housing development and we are diverted down Alderston Road. Turn left at the T-junction and continue towards the town centre, noting the small public park that sits in front of the still-visible station remains. Follow the obvious route towards the High Street and have a wander around this historic county town. Do take the time to stroll along the banks of the River Tyne. Either walk back by the reverse route or take the direct bus to Longniddry (Monday to Saturday).
