Lettings of DistinctionBelhaven Bridge: East Lothian’s enigmatic 'Bridge to Nowhere' On a recent family trip to East Lothian, we stayed in Belhaven village, walking distance from the centre of Dunbar. On the first evening we strolled to the beach, part of the John Muir Country Park, which was just minutes from our home. The view was spectacular. Where is the Belhaven Bridge? To the north was the pathway along The John Muir Way, leading to North Berwick and beyond. The John Muir Way is a 215 kilometre /130 mile route from coast to coast, Helensburgh to Dunbar. It is named after the conservationist and locally born hero. During our visit we saw a number of runners and walkers passing along The John Muir Way, covering the route alongside the coast to North Berwick and beyond. To the south, golfers played at the Winterfield Golf Club, enjoying views stretching over the coast. There is a pathway that runs in front of the golf course for a close-up of the golfing skills and a breezy view over the waters. But ahead of us, the vast stretch of sand stretched from Belhaven Bay northwards. Acres of space lay ahead, offering ample opportunities to stroll to the coastline, and absorb the sounds and sensations of the water lapping onto the sands while seabirds chattered to each other overhead. On the coastline the Bass Rock stands proud, and on the clearer days we could see the lighthouse from the beach. On the days with fog and sea haar, we couldn't even see the coastline, but the kids didn't mind and happily played in the river. A coastal curiosity To reach the waterfront when the tide is out, an iconic footbridge was erected over Biel Water, a small river that runs through the Biel Estate, and ends at the Belhaven Bay. This bridge is photogenic, no matter where the tide is. At low tide it strides across the river, with swans and their babies gracefully swimming below. At high tide it is marooned in the depth of the waters, casting mesmerising reflections. Can you cross the Belhaven Brdige? Yes, you can cross the bridge, and we did it many times. However the bridge can only be crossed at low tide. At high tide, the bridge is surrounded with water, creating a floating bridge, known locally as the Bridge to Nowhere. History of Belhaven Bridge The original Belhaven Bridge was built in the 19th century by a local landowner so his daughter could access the beach. The stone foundations of this bridge remain, although the walkway is a replacement. It is sand on either side of the bridge, so if you're not a steady walker, or have small children, consider whether this is suitable for your abilities. How to visit the Belhaven Bridge Walk from the Dunbar Train Station, which takes approximately 30 minutes. There is a car park just next to the Bridge, but it closes at night. What food is near the Belhaven Bridge? We visited the local pub, The Brig & Barrel. It's a five-minute walk and well worth the walk. There is a kids menu, so the pizza and fish and chips got the thumbs up from our little group. I had the honey, soy and sesame pork belly, and it was cooked to perfection, melting in the mouth. If you'd like to go, book a table if you can. We didn't book and were fortunate to get a table, but the outdoor area was full.

Belhaven Bridge

Belhaven Bridge at Belhaven Bay - A bridge sits stranded, casting reflection into the surrounding water, with the sunset in the background.
A bridge sits stranded, casting reflection into the surrounding water, with the sunset in the background.

Discover one of East Lothian’s most unexpected delights: Belhaven Bridge, known to locals as the 'Bridge to Nowhere'.

At low tide, it offers a unique crossing over Biel Water, leading you directly onto a sweeping sandy beach.

But visit at high tide, and you’ll find the bridge surrounded by water, seemingly stranded amid the waves—a hauntingly beautiful sight.

This bridge is photogenic, no matter where the tide is. At low tide, it strides across the river, with swans and their babies gracefully swimming below. 

At high tide, it is marooned in the depth of the waters, casting mesmerising reflections.

Belhaven Bridge: East Lothian’s enigmatic 'Bridge to Nowhere'

On a recent family trip to East Lothian, we stayed in Belhaven village, walking distance from the centre of Dunbar. 

On the first evening we strolled to the beach, part of the John Muir Country Park, which was just minutes from our home.

The view was spectacular. 

Where is the Belhaven Bridge?

To the north was the pathway along The John Muir Way, leading to North Berwick and beyond. 

The John Muir Way is a 215 kilometre /130 mile route from coast to coast, Helensburgh to Dunbar. It is named after the conservationist and locally born hero. 

During our visit we saw a number of runners and walkers passing along The John Muir Way, covering the route alongside the coast to North Berwick and beyond.

To the south, golfers played at the Winterfield Golf Club, enjoying views stretching over the coast. There is a pathway that runs in front of the golf course for a close-up of the golfing skills and a breezy view over the waters.

But ahead of us, the vast stretch of sand stretched from Belhaven Bay northwards. Acres of space lay ahead, offering ample opportunities to stroll to the coastline, and absorb the sounds and sensations of the water lapping onto the sands while seabirds chattered to each other overhead. 

On the coastline the Bass Rock stands proud, and on the clearer days we could see the lighthouse from the beach.

On the days with fog and sea haar, we couldn't even see the coastline, but the kids didn't mind and happily played in the river.  

A coastal curiosity

To reach the waterfront when the tide is out, an iconic footbridge was erected over Biel Water, a small river that runs through the Biel Estate, and ends at the Belhaven Bay. 

This bridge is photogenic, no matter where the tide is. At low tide it strides across the river, with swans and their babies gracefully swimming below. 

At high tide it is marooned in the depth of the waters, casting mesmerising reflections.

Can you cross the Belhaven Brdige?

Yes, you can cross the bridge, and we did it many times. However the bridge can only be crossed at low tide.

At high tide, the bridge is surrounded with water, creating a floating bridge, known locally as the Bridge to Nowhere. 

History of Belhaven Bridge

The original Belhaven Bridge was built in the 19th century by a local landowner so his daughter could access the beach.

The stone foundations of this bridge remain, although the walkway is a replacement. 

It is sand on either side of the bridge, so if you're not a steady walker, or have small children, consider whether this is suitable for your abilities. 

How to visit the Belhaven Bridge

Walk from the Dunbar Train Station, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
There is a car park just next to the Bridge, but it closes at night.

What food is near the Belhaven Bridge?

We visited the local pub, The Brig & Barrel. It's a five-minute walk and well worth the walk. 

There is a kids menu, so the pizza and fish and chips got the thumbs up from our little group. I had the honey, soy and sesame pork belly, and it was cooked to perfection, melting in the mouth. 

If you'd like to go, book a table if you can. We didn't book and were fortunate to get a table, but the outdoor area was full. 

Book your trip to East Lothian to enjoy the Belhaven Bridge

Enjoy the mesmerising view of the Belhaven Bridge on your next trip to East Lothian. 

Stay in any of the coastal towns that hug the golden coastline, for beautiful walks in a fascinating land.

Drop us a message to find the perfect stay for you and your loved ones. 

Nearby luxury self-catering in North Berwick & East Lothian

Recent from the blog

  • Visit East Lothian in the summer - Puffin in grass (© Ramon Vloon)

    Summer in East Lothian and North Berwick

    02 May 2024

  • North Berwick, East Lothian (© Visit Scotland)

    Visit East Lothian and North Berwick over Easter

    05 January 2024

    • Lettings of Distintion logo

    Newsletter

    Keep up to date and receive exclusive offers.