Simonside Hills from Rothbury Taking in Tosson Hill Trig Point
January 24, 2025

Berwickshire Coast Path Cocksburnspath to St Abbs (Day 1 of 2)

Discover the geological wonders and coastal beauty of the Berwickshire Coastal Path from Cocksburnspath to St Abbs, with a must-see stop at Siccar Point, the birthplace of modern geology. This iconic 14-mile route weaves along dramatic cliff tops, through picturesque fishing villages, and offers panoramic views of the North Sea. Along the way, discover hidden coves, wildlife-rich reserves, and the historic charm of St Abbs.

 

Along the way, explore the significance of Siccar Point, where the rock formations tell the ancient story of Earth’s history.

 

Ideal for nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a scenic escape, this path offers an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s coastal landscapes.

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Other resources:

Don’t forget to access/download the full route and mapping on OS Maps for this route.

Choose the best equipment at Plan Watch Walk equipment reviews.

All of our Northumberland walk videos can be found here

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Turn by Turn Directions

The walk starts at Cocksburnspath (see Video at 1:13), which is easily reached by local bus services.  We head north on Edinburgh Road for a short while before picking up the path on your right signed for Southern Uplands Way (see Video at 1:30).  The path now takes you under the main east coast rail line as you head east towards the coast passing Cove Farm on the way (see Video at 2:10), you now have the coastline ahead of you, and head towards the coastline where the Berwickshire Coast Path is now clearly marker (see Video at 2:40).  Your path for the rest of the day is now south and west.

As you head towards Red Rock and Pease Bay (see Video at 3:50), you start to experience some of the dramatic scenery you will see.  Dropping down to cross Pease Burn, this is one of the many descents and ascents you will encounter along the way.  The climb out of Pease Burn is helped by some wooden stairs with the reward of a fantastic view across the bay (see Video at 6:05).

 

You will then come to the remains of St Helen’s Church, where you can take a detour away from the main path to Siccar Point, an area of great geological history (see Video at 4:50).  The path now takes you inland as we pass a number of farms on our way.  The path through this section is well marked as we continue to the highest point of the route at 215 Mtr (see Video at 9:05).  From here, you have a magnificent view from Cove Bay and beyond to the Fife Peninsula to the north and to the south a view of what is to come.

 

Continuing across the fields, the view now continues south as you once again have the delights of cliff-top walking (see Video at 12:45).  You now have a steep descent and ascent at Heatherley Scar, and after climbing out of the bay, you come to Coldingham Loch (see Video at 13:50).  The path becomes very dramatic as you continue west towards St Abb’s Head.  Passing several stunning bays along the cliffs (see Video at 14:30), we eventually reach St Abb’s Head (see Video at 15:00), where we have views from our entry to the coast path at Cove to the north and St Abbs to the south.

 

The final leg of our journey takes us along the dramatic cliffs, with the sea crashing into the bays and the harbour of St Abbs ahead of us.  Pulling inland slightly, we follow the road for a short while and then drop in St Abbs itself (see Video at 17:30) and the beautiful end to a thoroughly enjoyable day walking.

 

Outdoor Catch-Up:

Why not sign up to Plan Watch Walk ‘Outdoor Catch-Up’, a fortnightly circular with all of the best deals.

Resources used whilst bringing you this walk…

 

Mapping and Directions:

OS Map AppOrdnance Survey Maps and routing

Maps Ordnance Survey Maps

Compass Must have

 

Equipment used:

JacketRab Microlight Alpine JacketEquipment Review

Jacket Montane Gravity Gore-Tex Jacket

FootwearMerrell Accentor Sport GTX

Boots – Scarpa Rush Trek GTXEquipment Review

TrousersMontane BMC Terra Pants

Waterproof TrousersMountain Hardwear Epic Pant

Socks1000 mile wool fusion double layer

Head TorchLifesystems Intensity 220 Head TorchEquipment Review

Backpack Hi Gear Active22

BladderCamelbak 2.5L Hydration Reservoir

 

Camera Kit

GoPro 5Go anywhere action camera

hohem iSteady Pro 4-Gimbal stabiliserMaking your video professional

Lavalier MicrophoneCapture professional audio

Insta360 ONE X2-360 Degree Camerabringing video to a new dimension

Insta360 3M (10ft) Invisible Selfie Stickmake it look like a drone

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Berwickshire Coast Path Cocksburnspath to St Abbs (Day 1 of 2)

This iconic 14-mile route weaves along dramatic cliff tops, through picturesque fishing villages, and offers panoramic views of the North Sea. Along the way, discover hidden coves, wildlife-rich reserves, and the historic charm of St Abbs.

Normal

14.0 miles

OS Explorer 346

7.10

Start Point