Approximate Location Map
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Whitesands is an attractive compact beach with fine golden sand bounded by a rocky shore and backed by low coastal grassland spotted with picnic tables. The beach is an ideal place for an early-morning swim, and there are pleasant views to be had along the coast.
The beach is situated just over 2 miles down the coast from Dunbar, accessible via a single track road off the A1087. This rural location contributes to the beach's seclusion and tranquility.
The beach boasts a stretch of fine, clean sand that curves gently round the bay, backed by grasslands. The bay faces east, making it an attractive spot for early morning swims due to the soft sand and gentle slope into the water. Additionally, conditions here can be suitable for surfing. The beach is flanked by rocky areas and low-rise cliffs, providing some shelter to the bay. At low tide, visitors can explore interesting rockpools.
The area is rich in limestone, which has been mined locally for hundreds of years. The grassy areas behind the beach provide ideal conditions for wild flowers to flourish, such as autumn gentian and yellow-horned poppy, which thrive in the alkaline soil.
The beach was gifted to the local council by the Portland Cement Company for use as a recreational area. There is a grassy car parking area behind the beach, and a geology trail starts in the car park. Footpaths from the car park lead to the old lime quarry areas and former limekilns. The beach is usually fairly quiet, making it a good destination for those seeking solitude.
Sand
| Today |  |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | 10% |
| Max temperature | 17°C |
| feels like | 17°C |
| Wind 14mph |  |
| Max UV Index |  |
| Tonight |  |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | 82% |
| Min temperature | 12°C |
| feels like | 10°C |
| Wind 18mph |  |
The tide at Whitesands is currently rising. High tide will be at approximately 6:28 PM, and the next low tide will be at approximately 12:20 AM tomorrow.
Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low
Ample space on grassland.
Beach cleaned weekly during the summer.
No lifeguard cover at this beach
Good water quality
around 2 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 3 miles by road.
around 3 miles southeast as the seagull flies, around 5 miles by road or 4 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 3 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 4 miles by road.
around 5 miles southeast as the seagull flies, around 8 miles by road.
around 6 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road.
around 6 miles southeast as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road or 8 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 8 miles northwest as the seagull flies, around 13 miles by road.
around 10 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 15 miles by road.
around 11 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 16 miles by road.
around 12 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 17 miles by road.
around 13 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 22 miles by road or 17 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 14 miles east-southeast as the seagull flies, around 19 miles by road.
around 14 miles east-southeast as the seagull flies, around 19 miles by road.
around 15 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 21 miles by road.
around 17 miles east-southeast as the seagull flies, around 21 miles by road.
around 17 miles west as the seagull flies, around 20 miles by road.
around 17 miles west as the seagull flies, around 20 miles by road.
around 18 miles west as the seagull flies, around 21 miles by road.
around 18 miles north-northwest as the seagull flies, around 86 miles by road.
around 19 miles north-northwest as the seagull flies, around 86 miles by road.
Location: Broxburn
Location type: Village
Nearest town: Dunbar
OS Grid: NT711773
Coordinates: 55°59'16"N 2°27'52"W
Mapcode: GBR ND8W.PKW
What 3 Words: similar.unearthly.chapters
Coordinates and location codes are for an approximate mid-point of the beach, and may not reflect the best access point or the most popular part of the beach.
Country: Scotland
Local Authority: East Lothian
Nearest postcode: EH42 1SL
(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)
Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.
