Silverknowes Beach

Silverknowes lies north-west of Edinburgh city centre, not far from the airport - between Leith, where the former Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed, and Queensferry.

The beach, which is a mix of sand and pebbles, is backed by a golf course and recreational fields.  There are views out across the Firth of Forth, with Cramond Island lying just off the beach.

The island, which is uninhabited and contains the remains of various former military structures, is linked to the mainland by a tidal causeway.  A noticeboard at the landward side of the causeway tells visitors about the times when it is safe/unsafe to cross.  It is not uncommon for visitors to be stranded on the island by the incoming tides, so do pay close attention to the tide times if planning a trip to the island.

Parking for the beach can be found at the western end of Marine Drive.  From here a pathway leads, past woodland, to the shoreline. 

A 3-mile long stretch of promenade runs alongside the beach and it is possible to walk down the promenade all the way to Cramond Village, where facilities can be found.  On the beach itself there is a coffee shop.  After sampling the cake here you can then burn the calories off at the outdoor beach gym.