St Abbs Head

This beautiful and fascinating nature reserve lies on the east coast as it swings round into the approaches to the Firth of Forth. Its cliffs, coves and stacks are a haven for a huge selection of seabirds: guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes and even a few puffins live in their specialist corners.

Its geology illustrates why the discipline is such fun. Older siltstones were covered by lava flows, their harder rocks weathering more slowly, resulting in the high jutting headland complete with broken towers of old lava. Erosion will one day leave it an island.

On its highlands are the faint remains of the defended C7 monastery founded by St Aebbe, a fascinating reminder of the turbulent, raider-ridden times in which Christianity re-established itself in the northern lands.

Walk round the cliffs then back beside a narrow, bird-rich inland loch in a bit under 2 hrs - plus paddling and viewing time, of course. St Abb's gets quite a few visitors, so you won't be alone in the summer months: it is maintained accordingly, so this can feel like rather organized wildlifery. Not for people who need to avoid grannies and children.

The lighthouse's house and outbuildings have been turned into holiday accommodation: a great place to stay and explore at leasure.

The dreaded TripAdvisor should give you good, current views on this area.

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Scottish Borders page.

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