Wild Swimming
Yellowcraig Beach
Yellowcraig is one of East Lothian's most popular family beaches — a sandy bay of about 700m on the Firth of Forth with views to Fidra Island (said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island), plus the Bass Rock and Berwick Law beyond. It is a SEPA-designated bathing water, classified Sufficient for 2026 — the lowest passing grade — so check SEPA's advice before you swim. The woodland behind the beach gives shelter for post-swim picnics. There is no lifeguard.
Quick facts
- Type
- Beach
- Region
- Edinburgh & Lothians
- Grid ref
- NT 515 860
- Entry
- Sandy shore
- Depth
- Shallow (wading depth)
- Midges
- Low
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
- Water quality
- SEPA 2026 classification: Sufficient
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- rip currents in onshore swell
- rocks at the ends of the beach
- pollution after heavy rain (SEPA: Sufficient)
Getting there
East Lothian Council car park near Dirleton village, about 270m south of the beach. Access rights apply.
Safety
SEPA-designated bathing water, classified Sufficient for 2026. SEPA advises against bathing during or 1–2 days after heavy rain because of the risk of pollution from sewerage. There is no lifeguard. Rip currents can form when swell is running onshore — stay in your depth and do not swim alone.
Best for
- Edinburgh day trip
- families
- Treasure Island Fidra Island view
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:15
- Sunset
- 16:34
- Civil dawn
- 06:36
- Civil dusk
- 17:14
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Common questions
- Did Treasure Island inspire Fidra Island?
- Robert Louis Stevenson grew up in Edinburgh and is believed to have been inspired by the shape of Fidra Island when writing Treasure Island, though he never confirmed this directly.
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