Wild Swimming
Gullane Bents
Gullane Bents is a wide, south-facing crescent of clean sand on the Firth of Forth — quieter than Yellowcraig and with a slightly more sheltered aspect that gives it East Lothian's warmest reliable sea swimming. The Bents is actually three adjacent beaches (No.1, No.2, No.3) behind a large dune system, with Muirfield Golf Course and the Lammermuir Hills as a backdrop. The approach through the dunes gives a sense of discovery. East Lothian Council manages the car park.
Quick facts
- Type
- Beach
- Region
- Edinburgh & Lothians
- Grid ref
- NT 481 830
- Entry
- Sandy shore
- Depth
- Shallow (wading depth)
- Summer water temp
- 9–16°C
- Midges
- Low
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- Gullane Point tidal rip in strong ebb
Getting there
East Lothian Council car park (EH31 2AX) at Gullane village. Beach 5-minute walk through dunes. Seasonal dog restrictions apply on Beach No.1 June–August — use No.2 or No.3 instead.
Parking postcode: EH31 2AX
Safety
Generally safe in calm conditions. Tidal rip off Gullane Point (the eastern headland) in strong ebb flow — avoid the headland area. No lifeguard.
Best for
- quiet East Lothian swim
- warm-for-Scotland sea swim
- dog-walking in shoulder season
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:25
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:22
- Civil dusk
- 23:05
NOAA Solar Calculator · 23 June 2026
Common questions
- Is Gullane good for wild swimming?
- Yes — Gullane Bents No.2 and No.3 are among East Lothian's best swim beaches: clean, quiet, and with a southerly aspect that makes the most of summer sun. Water temperature peaks at 15–16°C in August.
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