Canty Bay

The lovely little beach at Canty Bay consists of a curve of golden sand backed by gently sloping grass and a line of cottages. There is another stretch of sand just beyond the headland to the west. It is almost as nice and even quieter.

The road down to the beach is private and there is very little parking above the beach. In fact the only close parking is by the cafe on the headland, but this is for customers only, so you may find yourself having to buy lunch too.

From Canty Bay you will probably find your eyes drawn to the huge white rock that sits about a mile off shore. This is Bass Rock and it is home to the largest gannet colony in the world - which explains its whiteness. The 100 metre tall basalt rock is of volcanic origin and is home to a small chapel, a lighthouse and the remains ome fortifications.

On the cliff tops to the east of Canty Bay is Tantallon Castle, a ruined 14th-century fortress. An easy walk from the beach this castle is well worth a visit.