Cramond Island Edinburgh
A tidal island near Edinburgh, accessible by causeway at low tide, featuring WWII ruins and scenic coastal walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Essential for causeway access
Cramond Island Edinburgh
Best Time
Essential for causeway access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tidal island near Edinburgh, accessible by causeway at low tide, featuring WWII ruins and scenic coastal walks.
"A quiet gem near Edinburgh, wild beauty, fresh sea air and time marked by the tide."
Check Tide Times Religiously
Always consult RNLI tide times before crossing. Text 'CRAMOND' to 81400 for daily safe crossing times. :warning:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The causeway can be slippery and uneven. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Causeway Crossing
Cramond Beach
Walk across the exposed causeway to the island, a unique experience dictated by the sea's rhythm.
World War II Bunkers
Cramond Island
Explore intriguing concrete structures and remnants from its wartime past.
Coastal Views
Cramond Island
Enjoy panoramic views of the Firth of Forth and the surrounding coastline.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: The Tide is Your Guide
Explore WWII History & Natural Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times Religiously
Always consult RNLI tide times before crossing. Text 'CRAMOND' to 81400 for daily safe crossing times. :warning:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The causeway can be slippery and uneven. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Pack Out Your Rubbish
Leave no trace! Unfortunately, litter is an issue. Take all your rubbish with you. :wastebasket:
Explore the WWII Structures
Discover the island's history by exploring the concrete bunkers and wartime remnants. :military_medal:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times Religiously
Always consult RNLI tide times before crossing. Text 'CRAMOND' to 81400 for daily safe crossing times. :warning:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The causeway can be slippery and uneven. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Pack Out Your Rubbish
Leave no trace! Unfortunately, litter is an issue. Take all your rubbish with you. :wastebasket:
Explore the WWII Structures
Discover the island's history by exploring the concrete bunkers and wartime remnants. :military_medal:
Enjoy the Golden Hour
The light during golden hour creates stunning seascapes and photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cramond Island for its unique tidal access and historical WWII remnants, offering a peaceful escape near Edinburgh. The natural beauty and coastal views are highlights, though the importance of checking tide times is repeatedly emphasized to ensure safety.
"Visited on 04/06/2025
Excellent location but from carpark have to walk fr 1 to 2 hrs to reach the island .
Pls check the safety board for best time to walk through."
gopika chithra
"A must do visit to an uninhabited island. Unique world war experience. Party of Greed the Lion food tour of Edinburgh."
Feed the Lion
"If you’re visiting Edinburgh and want a short escape into nature, Cramond Island is worth a visit. Accessible only at low tide, walking across the causeway is a unique experience. The island is quiet, with open views and some interesting wartime ruins. A peaceful spot to enjoy a different side of the city."
Feyza Ak.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cramond Island is accessed via a causeway from Cramond Beach. You can reach Cramond Beach by bus from Edinburgh city center. The walk to the island itself is only possible during low tide.
Yes, there is a car park at Cramond Beach, which is the starting point for the causeway walk. It can get busy, especially on sunny days.
No, the causeway to Cramond Island is from Cramond Beach. To walk between South Queensferry and Cramond shore, you would need to go inland to the Cramond Brig.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Cramond Island. Access via the causeway is free, but you must adhere to tide times.
Cramond Island is accessible only during low tide. There are no set opening hours, as it's a natural tidal island. Always check the tide timetable.
The best time to visit is during low tide. Check the RNLI tide times or text 'CRAMOND' to 81400 for safe crossing times.
There is no entry fee for Cramond Beach itself. Parking may be subject to charges depending on the time and day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the WWII concrete structures, enjoy the coastal views, and experience the unique walk across the causeway. It's a peaceful spot for a short adventure.
The walk across the causeway to the island typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace.
It is safe if you strictly follow the tide times. Getting caught by the incoming tide is dangerous. Always check the RNLI crossing times.
Swimming back is generally not recommended due to cold water temperatures and potentially strong currents, especially if you are not an experienced cold-water swimmer.
No, Cramond Island is uninhabited and has no facilities. You need to bring everything you need with you, including water and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The causeway at low tide, the WWII bunkers, and the panoramic sea views offer great photographic opportunities. Golden hour provides particularly beautiful light.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers soft, warm light perfect for capturing the coastal scenery and the island's atmosphere.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
+1 The island is relatively small, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain and potentially damp conditions. 📸 Photographers
The causeway, with its repeating patterns, offers compelling leading lines, especially when framed by the sea at low tide. The WWII bunkers provide a stark, textural contrast to the natural coastal environment. Consider capturing the vastness of the Firth of Forth and the distant views of the Fife coast. Remember to check tide times to ensure you have ample opportunity to capture the causeway before it's submerged. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tides: Your Lifeline to Cramond Island
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, always consult reliable tide timetables. The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) provides specific safe crossing times for Cramond. A convenient way to get this information is by texting 'CRAMOND' to 81400, which will send you the day's safe crossing times.
Understanding Tide Timetables
When looking at tide charts, pay attention to the 'low tide' times. However, the official 'safe crossing times' provided by the RNLI are more crucial as they account for how long the causeway remains exposed and safe. These times are usually published daily.
A Glimpse into History: Cramond Island's Wartime Past
Today, visitors can explore these remnants of history. The island is dotted with concrete bunkers and other structures that serve as a stark reminder of its strategic importance during the war. While some have been subject to graffiti, they still offer a unique glimpse into the past. Exploring these ruins provides a different dimension to the natural beauty of the island, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.
Exploring the Ruins
When you visit, take time to wander around the island and discover these historical artifacts. They are scattered across the landscape and offer a tangible connection to a significant period in history. Remember to tread carefully and respect the historical nature of these structures.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit