Hidden Scotland
Sign in
Crammond Beach stretches towards a distant island under a heavy grey sky, dune grass framing the sandy foreground.
Lothian

Cramond Beach

A beach and promenade at Cramond on the Firth of Forth, where a causeway runs out to Cramond Island at low tide and a Roman fort once stood.

Welcome

At Cramond, where the River Almond runs into the Firth of Forth on the edge of Edinburgh, a long promenade and a sweep of sand and shingle look out over the Forth.

It is one of the city's favourite places for a walk by the sea, and it has a surprise: at low tide, a causeway runs out for three-quarters of a mile across the flats to Cramond Island.

The crossing is safe only for a few hours around low water, and it is quite common for people to be stranded by the tide. A noticeboard at the start of the causeway gives the times for the day, or you can text CRAMOND to 81400 for them. Plan to be back well before the water returns.

The village itself has a long story. The Romans built a fort here in the second century to guard the Forth, and Cramond Kirk now stands on part of it. By the harbour there are yachts, the Cramond Inn and a small heritage exhibition in the Maltings.

A short drive awayCramond BrigThe old bridge over the Almond.6 min by roadSee itCramond Brig reflected in the River Almond among trees.
Before you go

Open shore, there at any time; the causeway to the island can only be crossed at low tide, at the times on the noticeboard.

Where
Cramond, four miles from Edinburgh.
Causeway
Low tide only.
Tide times
Text CRAMOND to 81400.
Where it is

At Cramond on the Firth of Forth, four miles north-west of Edinburgh; a large car park behind the Cramond Inn.

Close byCramond.
  1. Round stone tower with battlements standing above open farmlandCammo EstateThe wild estate nearby.2 miles7 min by road
  2. Stone tower and wooden bench framed by sunlit woodland leavesCorstorphine HillThe wooded hill to the south.3 miles11 min by road
  3. Stone-clad bar with metal stools, beer taps and chandeliers overheadThe Torfin3 miles11 min by road
  4. Walkers follow a causeway path between mudflats and sandy beach under grey skiesDay Trip to Cramond IslandWith some planning ahead you can walk out to the island when the tide is low.4 miles13 min by road
  5. Edinburgh ZooEdinburgh ZooThe Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's zoo, open since 1913 on the slopes of Corstorphine Hill, with views over the city from the top.4 miles13 min by road
Directions
Cramond Brig reflected in the River Almond among trees.WalksCramond Brig1.5 miles
Forth Bridge's red steel cantilevers seen through overhanging tree branches across the waterAttractionsForth Bridge3.8 miles over the water
Neoclassical mansion with columned entrance reflected in a curved garden pondAttractionsScottish National Gallery of Modern Art4.1 miles
Poached egg and smoked salmon on a black plate with black teapotRestaurantsThe Scran & Scallie4.3 miles
Barista steaming milk on a espresso machine beneath a black pendant lampCafeArtisan Roast4.3 miles
Gift shop interior with framed prints, greetings cards and a red armchairShoppingAn Independent Zebra4.3 miles
Corner shopfront of The Pastry Section on a quiet cobbled streetCafeThe Pastry Section4.3 miles
Two walkers pass a turreted stone building beneath a tall arched viaductAttractionsDean Gardens4.3 miles
Wooden bar with glass shelves lined with spirits and beer tapsRestaurantsKin4.4 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the beach, and when each is next free.

West End Muse
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Lothian
  • 4 miles from Cramond Beach
Check datesA man walks past Bucken Booths entrance flanked by black lamp postsOld Town Chambers
  • To stay
  • In Lothian
  • 5 miles from Cramond Beach
Check datesA round table and chairs stand before tall curtained windows looking onto stone buildings, a sofa and mounted television to the right.Moment George IV Bridge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Lothian
  • 5 miles from Cramond Beach
Check datesA turreted sandstone building with conical spires catches the evening light above rooftops, a large pine tree standing beside it.The Scott Hotel
  • A hotel
  • In Lothian
  • 6 miles from Cramond Beach
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in LothianAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
Hidden Scotland, the magazine

Scotland, in print.

Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.

Get Issue 13Read it here
Find out more

For further reading, before you go.