Cramond Beach & Promenade Edinburgh
Discover Cramond Island, accessible only at low tide via a historic causeway, offering WW2 relics and stunning coastal views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access Cramond Island safely
Cramond Beach & Promenade Edinburgh
Best Time
Access Cramond Island safely

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cramond Island, accessible only at low tide via a historic causeway, offering WW2 relics and stunning coastal views.
"A must-visit for its unique tidal island access and fascinating wartime history!"
⏰ Check Tide Times Religiously
Crucial for island access! Text CRAMOND to 81400 for safe crossing times.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The causeway can be uneven, and the island has rocky terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cramond Island Causeway
Cramond Beach
Walk across a submerged concrete path to a historic island, but only at low tide!

WW2 Fortifications
Cramond Island
Explore remnants of military history, including old bunkers and anti-tank barricades.

Cramond Promenade
Cramond Beach
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or cycle along scenic, flat paths with coastal views.
Planning Your Visit
Mastering the Tides for Cramond Island
Getting to Cramond Beach & Promenade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏰ Check Tide Times Religiously
Crucial for island access! Text CRAMOND to 81400 for safe crossing times.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The causeway can be uneven, and the island has rocky terrain.
🎒 Pack for the Wait
If you misjudge the tide, be prepared to wait for hours. Bring water and snacks.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Promenade
Great for dog walks, but keep them on a lead near the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏰ Check Tide Times Religiously
Crucial for island access! Text CRAMOND to 81400 for safe crossing times.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The causeway can be uneven, and the island has rocky terrain.
🎒 Pack for the Wait
If you misjudge the tide, be prepared to wait for hours. Bring water and snacks.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Promenade
Great for dog walks, but keep them on a lead near the water.
📸 Capture the Views
Breathtaking scenery of the Firth of Forth and surrounding areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cramond Beach and Island for its unique causeway access, historical WW2 fortifications, and scenic promenade. The opportunity to walk to an island at low tide is a major draw, offering beautiful views and a sense of adventure. However, the importance of checking tide times cannot be overstated, as getting stranded is a real risk. Some find the island's terrain rough and litter can be an issue in certain areas.
"Fantastic place. I went because of the WW2 fortifications on it (plus the causeway) after visiting inchcolm island for the Fortifications also, and a bonus the weather was amazing!
(CHECK THE TIDE TIMINGS BEFORE GOING) Have enclosed photo of tide timings on last photo, but you can also find it online, otherwise it will be a long night waiting for the tide to go back out.."
Colin D
"Amazing island to walk out to at low tide. (I like to arrive 2 hours before low tide to give plenty time to cross and wander at a slow pace round the wartime batteries. The anti submarine structure is an interesting sight too"
fiona whitie
"Lovely area to walk or cycle. Good flat wide tarmac paths with optional grass paths to the side, which are good for dog walks. It's a shame the cafe at the mid point of walk when going east was closed. Toilets at Cramond seemed to be open for females only. At the far end going east, it became very untidy too much litter and evidence of bonfires. Good free parking at Cramond. Nice cafe at Cramond opposite the river and the boats."
Stephen Swinley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Cramond Beach by bus from Edinburgh city centre. Several routes stop nearby. Alternatively, driving offers free parking at Cramond, though it can get busy.
Some visitors enjoy walking from Cramond Brig via the River Almond path for a scenic approach.Yes, there is free parking available at Cramond Beach. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on sunny days and weekends.
Absolutely! The promenade at Cramond Beach is wide and flat, making it ideal for cycling.
Yes, Cramond Beach is accessible by public transport. Several bus routes serve the area from Edinburgh city centre.
The most popular way is to walk across the causeway from Cramond Beach during low tide.
Some also enjoy a scenic walk along the River Almond path from Cramond Brig.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Cramond Beach or walk the causeway to Cramond Island. Access is free for everyone.
Cramond Beach and its promenade are open to the public at all times. However, access to Cramond Island is strictly dependent on tide times.
The best time to visit Cramond Island is during low tide. Always check the official tide times before you plan your visit to ensure safe passage across the causeway.
The walk to Cramond Island across the causeway typically takes about 25 minutes, depending on your pace.
It's recommended to allow ample time to explore the island and return before the tide turns.The primary restriction is tide times. Visitors must cross the causeway within the safe windows provided by tide charts.
It's also advised not to stay too long on the island, as the tide rises quickly.🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
On Cramond Island, you can explore old military bunkers and WW2 fortifications, enjoy stunning views of the Firth of Forth, and discover small beaches.
The causeway is generally safe when the tide is out, but it can be uneven.
The island itself has some rough terrain and remnants of old structures, so exercise caution.A double buggy can likely make it over the causeway, as it has been leveled recently. However, be mindful of manhole covers and potential holes towards the end.
The island itself has a rocky beach and no paved paths, which might make a buggy challenging.There are toilets available at Cramond Beach, though historically they have been for females only.
A cafe is located in the village opposite the river and boats.Yes, Cramond Beach is a great place for dog walking, with good flat paths and grassy areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's a cafe in the village opposite the river and boats at Cramond Beach.
The Cramond Inn pub is also nearby, though reviews suggest food quality can be disappointing.There are no food facilities on Cramond Island. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks if you plan to spend a significant amount of time there.
The village of Cramond offers dining options, including a pub and a cafe.
Yes, Cramond Beach is a suitable spot for picnics. There are grassy areas and the beach itself, though litter can be an issue in some parts.
Reviews suggest that the food at the Cramond Inn is not highly rated.
It might be better to explore other dining options in the village or bring your own food.📸 📸 Photography
Cramond Beach offers lovely coastal views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The causeway to Cramond Island is also a unique photographic subject.
Yes, Cramond Island provides interesting photographic subjects with its WW2 fortifications, ruins, and panoramic views of the Firth of Forth.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography at Cramond Beach and Island, minimizing harsh shadows.
The highest points on Cramond Island offer excellent vantage points for capturing the surrounding landscape and the mainland.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the island's fortifications.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tides to Cramond Island
When planning your crossing, remember that the causeway itself can be uneven, and the island terrain is rocky. While a double buggy might manage the causeway, navigating the island with one could be challenging due to the lack of paved paths and the presence of rocky beaches. The experience of walking the causeway, with the sea on either side, is a significant part of the adventure, offering a sense of isolation and connection with nature.
For those who find themselves caught out by the tide, it's important to remain calm and wait for its recession. The RNLI advises against calling emergency services unless it's a genuine emergency. Being prepared with essentials like water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for potentially cold and wet weather is a wise precaution for any visitor venturing to Cramond Island.
Exploring the Historic Fortifications
Walking amongst these structures evokes a sense of history and discovery. The island's isolation, coupled with these man-made relics, creates a compelling atmosphere. Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture the interplay between the historical elements and the surrounding natural beauty. It's a chance to connect with a different side of Scotland's heritage, far from the bustling city of Edinburgh.
The Charm of Cramond Promenade
While the promenade is generally tidy, some visitors have noted areas with litter and evidence of bonfires towards the eastern end. Despite this, the overall ambiance is one of seaside tranquility. The presence of a cafe in the village adds to the convenience, though it's worth noting that food options directly at the beach area are limited, and the local pub has received mixed reviews. The free parking at Cramond Beach is a significant draw for visitors arriving by car.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit