If you have read my last two monthly bucket lists you will know that I have been hoping to get to the coast for weeks, but it just hasn’t been the right weather when we’ve had the time to go at the weekend (no point going such a distance for a short visit!).
Well, last weekend was set to be dry and sunny, so on Sunday we set off to Cramond beach for a little fresh sea air. We had never been to the beach there before, normally heading over to the other side of the firth in Fife. But we were pleasantly surprised by the expanse of beach.
What we didn’t realise was quite how busy it would be! Clearly this is the place to go for a beach walk on a sunny day, as the area was teaming with tourists and Edinburgh folk alike.
Most people had on trainers and brought the kids bikes and scooters to ride along the sea front where there is a long flat path all the way along the top of the beach. I’m not sure how far it goes, as we didn’t walk along much of the path, we only intended to visit the beach and were one of the few heading out in wellies.
We arrived around 10 when the sea was a LONG way off, we could just about see it in the distance and considered walking out to it, but the boys wanted to dig so we played in the sand for a little while instead.
The other great feature of the Cramond beach is the long concrete causeway across to Cramond Island, which is only truly an island for a few hours each day, when the tide completely cuts it off from the mainland. When we were there the tide was out and a steady stream of visitors were walking along the causeway to the island and back. We weren’t there to visit the island today, but maybe next time.
Mr O wanted to have a look further out at more sand, but as we walked further out onto the beach it became very muddy and so we headed back to the proper beach for more real digging and lunch.
As it was a busy area, there were several ice cream vans along the shore. We stopped at one to buy an ice cream each, but only managed 3 as they were £7.50 (all my cash!), which is quite a lot for 3 just ok’ish ice creams! However, it was Mr A’s very first ice cream and he certainly seemed to enjoy it! He happily ate mouthfuls whilst telling daddy about all the bikes, scooters and dogs he could see.
Whilst walking along the beach we found a lot of seaglass, which I collected in the boys buckets, I think of them like little treasures in the sand and I do like a good treasure hunt.
The sea was still a long way out by 1pm and although I read on the sign that the last safe crossing to the island was 1.30pm that day, there were still plenty of people walking along the causeway and on the beach, so we decided to head out to see if we could reach the sea.
We crossed over lots of muddy areas and wet ripply sand, which littlest enjoyed poking the worm casts on. By the time we got to the sea the tide was clearly coming in fast, a good 10cm or so a second. I didn’t realise how quickly it would turn, so we made a dash back across the wet sand to the causeway and higher ground, which fortunately wasn’t too far away.
Whilst on the causeway we watched the area we had been walking on, not long before, disappear under water. Next time we will definitely pay attention to the tide times and make sure we’re back in a safe area before it starts turning again.
We will definitely head back another day, as I would love to explore the island itself. The island was used by military in World War 1 and there is apparently evidence of it’s use by Romans as well.
On the way back home we crossed over the Forth Road bridge to look at how the new road bridge is coming along. Certainly a feat of engineering looking at the sections that are constructed already.
Have you visited a beach recently? Have you visited Cramond or any other beaches around Edinburgh?
Read more posts about what to do in Edinburgh:
- Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh in Winter for their beautiful Christmas at the Botanics event.
- Edinburgh Castle of Light is an amazing winter spectacle too, both fun and educational too.
- Spend a weekend in the city with this Edinburgh weekend Itinerary.
- Visit Edinburgh’s ‘other’ castle, Craigmillar, an interesting castle with a lot of history!
- Go for a day trip to Inchcolm island, reached by boat from South Queensferry.
- Find the best things to do in Edinburgh for your next visit.
- Conifox Adventure Park is an excellent place for the kids to run off some energy, just on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
- At the end of June spend a day or two at the world famous Royal Highland Show!
- Stay at Eastside Cottages just outside Edinburgh, where you can get the best of the rural farm life and Edinburgh city life.
- Use this car parking company at Edinburgh Airport.
- Spend a day out at Edinburgh Castle with the kids!
- Enjoy another day out at the edge of Edinburgh visiting Cramond Island and beach.
Plutonium Sox says
Eek, scary stuff with the tide coming in so fast! Sounds like a lovely day out though, I love getting to the coast, the sea air makes everyone feel better.
Nat.x
Elizabeth says
What a lovely beach. There’s something magical about living near the sea – I wouldn’t have it any other way. 🙂 I’ve never been to this beach, but one day, I hope!
Kara Guppy says
I love a visit to the beach, especially at this time of year as it is always quieter. I would like a stroll across that causeway too
Sherry says
I saw your photo of Cramond Island on Instagram and was so intrigued that I had to google it! It’s amazing how quick the tide changes isn’t it, definitely one on the visit list #whatevertheweather
Petite Pudding says
What a lovely day at the beach, sounds like you had an excellent time. We live so far from any beaches which is a bit disappointing for our son. The causeway across to the island sounds like an adventure – but when this those 99p ice creams get so expensive? #WhateverTheWeather
Laura @dearbearandbeany says
You can’t beat a day at the beach no matter what the weather. My sister in law is from Edinburgh and she is taking us there next year. I can’t wait a place I have always wanted to go. How much for those ice creams!!!! x
Emma says
That tide comes in fast. You have to be so careful don’t you? There are stories in our local paper of people being cut off by the fast incoming tide. Stunning beach though but how much were those ice creams?!? – 🙂 #whatevertheweather
Let kids be kids says
I wish we were close enough for a visit, it looks wonderful. You do have to be so careful about tides at beaches like this though don’t you…quite scary. Glad you all had a lovely day.
One Messy Mama says
Looks like a wonderful day! Here in Michigan I am hoping Spring shows it’s gorgeous colors soon! #whatevertheweather
Sian QuiteFranklySheSaid says
What a gorgeous day out! This is making me wonder of I have been here before as I used to live in Tayport when I was very young which isn’t hugely far away x #WhateverTheWeather
Georgina Whitehead says
What a lovely day you guys had. We love going to the beach and luckily in Devon we’ve got lots to choose from. thanks for sharing some lush photos and i’m glad you didn’t get marooned, I bet it happens all the time! #WhateverTheWeather
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
Beautiful beach – you wouldn’t think there were lots of other people there at all from your pictures. Bit of a hairy end to the day walking to the island…sounds a really interesting place to explore. I love the picture of you and your eldest! You look alike! Looks like they had a great day out. Thanks for hosting #whatevertheweather
Becky Willoughby @lakessinglemum says
I miss living by the sea! Looks a fantastic spot for family fun.
Cornish Kids says
What a great place! I love that causeway. I’m sure it’s a place you will return to. There’s something that captures the imagination about disappearing paths and the possibility of being marooned. Famous five type adventuring! Our nearest causeway is St Michaels Mount, thankfully there is a ferry when the causeway is underwater. #whatevertheweater
Helena says
We’ve yet to visit a beach with the little one but we’ll get there once it’s much warmer. #whatevertheweather
Hannah G, The 'Ordinary' Mum says
What a beautiful beach, I love the idea of visiting the island too. I look forward to hearing about it next time you visit. We’re huge fans of the beach, especially in Winter and Spring 🙂 Looks like your boys loved digging in the sand and squelching through the wet sand in their wellies 🙂 #whatevertheweather xx
Becca says
Looks gorgeous! Glad you got to higher ground quickly though. It is amazing and terrifying how quickly the tide can come in! Your sandcastle looks great. We need to get ourselves to a beach before long and build a ‘proper’ one, like yours!
Erin @Nourishing My Scholar says
What a fantastic Bechtel to explain! I’d love to take the children to build sandcastles like to! How wonderful to capture Mr. A’s first ice cream? That is so special!
Chloe says
We love the beach. That’s so cool that there is a little island there too. The tides can turn so quickly can’t they. It’s so easy to get trapped. You think you have plenty of time, but when it starts to come back in it seems a lot quicker than when it’s going out. It looks like you had such a lovely time! Well worth the drive over and you really can spend all day at the beach whatever the weather. x
Caroline (Becoming a SAHM) says
Aw what a lovely day and gorgeous shots. We haven’t been to he coast in ages but are on our hols in a few weeks and will be lovely to breathe the sea air again! X