St Baldred’s Cradle, East Lothian

Around 340 million years ago East Lothian was wracked by volcanic eruptions that have helped to form the area’s varied coastline. The jutting headland of St Baldred’s Cradle is made of resistant basalt rock, and gives us a glimpse of some of the inner workings of these messy wee volcanoes and the existing rocks they erupted through.

THE ROCKS: St Baldred’s Cradle is the remains of a volcanic vent that erupted in Carboniferous times, around 340 million years ago. We’ll discover the hard basalt heart of the volcano, and some volcanic ash. Around the volcano there are some interesting sandstone layers, formed before the volcano erupted; and a bonus dolerite intrusion, to compare and contrast with the volcanic rocks.

THE WALK:  This is a gentle circular walk through the woods and along the coast of the Tyne estuary and around the headland of St Baldred’s Cradle. I have classified this as an Easy Walk. It may be wet, windy or cold. Come equipped with strong footwear and waterproof clothing. Distance 4km round trip, duration 3 hours. Route map.

MEETING POINT: Tyninghame Links car park, about 3km northeast of Tyninghame village, just off the A198 North Berwick – Dunbar road. Coming from Tyninghame, travel north on the A198, over the top of the first hill and take the minor road to the right (Lime Tree Walk. The car park is at the end of this road.

Nearest postcode EH42 1XW | Grid ref NT 62725 80918 | What3Words: ///delays.hacking.buildings.