Cramond Island Causeway – Cramond Island WWII Bunker loop from Cramond

Hiking trails & Routes

Lothian

Edinburgh

Cramond And Barnton

Cramond Island Causeway – Cramond Island WWII Bunker loop from Cramond

Easy

4.6

(8)

144

hikers

Cramond Island Causeway – Cramond Island WWII Bunker loop from Cramond

01:46

6.70km

60m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.28 km

Cramond Island Causeway

Highlight • Bridge

Cramond Island is a deserted island with a few ruins and bunkers from the Second World War. At low tide, the island can be reached over a narrow and low concrete causeway in a four-hour window, two hours before and two hours after low tide. The path is about 1.6 kilometres (one mile) long and passes concrete piers dating from the Second World War, built to protect against torpedoes and ships. The times when the path to the island is open are posted at the start of the path and are also published on the internet: queensferrylifeboat.co.uk/cramond-tides

At high tide, the water rises so high that you can only leave the island by swimming or waiting up to eight hours for the causeway to be open again. If you do decide to swim, be aware of the current, the low water temperature and the relatively long distance.

Tip by

1.51 km

Cramond Island Tidal Walkway

Highlight • Trail

The photo has been taken from part of the way over the walkway that leads to Cramond Island. This is a tidal walkway and can not be crossed when the tide is in

Tip by

2.82 km

View of Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat, and the Firth of Forth from Cramond Island

Highlight • Trail

Wee hill with great panoramic views of Edinburgh, Arthur’s seat and the Forth

Tip by

3.14 km

Diesel Wagon

Highlight • Structure

Only visible at low tide

Tip by

3.38 km

Cramond Island WWII Bunker

Highlight • Viewpoint

During World War II, Cramond was fortified in order to repel any potential invasion via the Forth River.

Barely more than quarter of a mile in length, the little island is littered with these concrete bunkers that housed gun emplacements and / or spotlights to sweep the causeway.

Tip by

5.35 km

Cramond Bistro

Highlight • Cafe

5.59 km

Cramond Beach and View of Cramond Island

Highlight • Viewpoint

When the tide is out you can walk over to Cramond island. Be sure you know the tide timetable as quite a few people have been stranded there once the tide comes in.

Tip by

6.70 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.93 km

2.52 km

106 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.70 km

1.48 km

1.28 km

172 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Monday 5 October

14°C

6°C

23 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

April 19, 2024,Cramond causeway and Roman fort

Cramond is a historic part of Edinburgh. There is an island, which can be reached via a causeway during low tide. Be sure to check the safe crossing times on the Queensferry lifeboats website to avoid getting cut off for 12 hours: queensferrylifeboat.co.uk/cramond-tides