IN A quiet part of East Lothian, there's an absolute gem of a walk, perfect for enjoying a bit of peace and quiet on an afternoon stroll.
Nestled on the edge of the Lammermuir Hills, Woodhall Dean is in the care of the Scottish Wildlife Trust because of the sessile oaks that dominate the area. These trees once covered much of the south of Scotland, but a lot has gone on in the last 5,0
00 years and there are now only a few remaining areas where they grow in large numbers. The glen is popular with birdwatchers and it is also a great spot for flowers. Look out, too, for roe deer among the trees.
The parking spot at the start of the walk is easy to miss as it just looks like the end of a track. However, if you park in to the side there is still plenty of room for farm vehicles to pass.
The walk immediately enters the glen – flower-filled at this time of year – and climbs steps to a viewpoint. Descending again, you reach a carpet of wild garlic next to Woodhall Burn and then masses of bluebells scattered below hawthorn – currently shedding its blossom in a snowlike carpet.
The glen narrows again before you cross it by a footbridge and climb up to enjoy a stroll through the oaks to farmland. More woodland then leads to a delightful hollow, marked as Tinker's Leap on the map – I've not been able to find a reason why, but the clue might be in the name.
There follows a more open-air return, by the side of fields high above the glen, before you drop down again and walk back among the flowers.
Boots are a good idea for this walk, as the ground is uneven and can be muddy in places. The drops into the bottom of the glen are severe in some places, so take care with children.
Distance: 2¾ miles
Height climbed: 530ft
Time: 1½-2½ hours
Map: OS Landranger 67
Park: Turn off the A1 at the Spott roundabout (just under two miles east of the main junction for Dunbar) and follow a sign for the village of Spott, about 1¼ miles down a country road. After passing a phonebox in the village, go left, down a narrower lane, following a sign for Brunt. After about two miles, at the bottom of a steep hill, there is space to park on the right, at the bottom of a red gravel track (just before the road crosses a ford).
In summary: Walk up the track you parked on, and about 30 yards from the road go left, on a path that starts amid large clumps of gorse and broom. The path goes round to the right and enters Woodhall Dean, climbing some steps.
At the top, the path levels off. After passing an exposed patch of rock on your left, look out for a flight of six steps, also on the left, which leads to a bench with a view over the glen.
Return to the main path, go left and drop down to the burn. After passing through slightly more dense woodland, the path bears right and reaches a fork, where you go left to cross a wooden footbridge.
On the other side, go past an old stone bridge on the left and follow the path to the right, along the top of the narrow glen, until you reach the edge of a field.
Go right and follow a fence before entering more woodland. The path then drops down to another wooden footbridge, which you should cross.
After climbing a few feet, the way-marked path goes left and then sweeps round in a wide arc, going up to the right to follow a fence that runs back along the line of the glen (although this is some distance to the right). Follow marker posts as you gradually drop down to the fork in the path above the first footbridge. Go left and retrace your steps to the start of the walk.
Refreshments: Dunbar is your best bet, as there is a good range of cafés, pubs and restaurants. Alternatively, try the Belhaven Fruit Farm (go east along the A1 and find it at the next roundabout). As well as the chance to pick your own fresh fruit, there is a café.
While you are in the area: Environmental pioneer John Muir was born in Dunbar, and the house on the High Street where he spent his early years is now a museum (01368 865899, www.jmbt.org.uk). You can explore much of his writing here as well as video and audio presentations about his early life in Scotland and work in North America.
Otherwise, head to the beach. There are plenty to choose from in East Lothian.
