The tide& the sea.
The West Sands is two miles of the finest beach in Scotland — but the North Sea keeps its own schedule. Here's an estimated tide table for planning, plus everything a local knows about swimming, walking and the famous May Dip.
Where, when and how locals swim.
The big one — two miles of flat golden sand backed by the dunes of the Old Course. Gentle gradient, best entered around mid-to-high tide. Lifeguarded in peak summer near the central access.
Smaller, more sheltered, right by the harbour and the Castle. The home of the May Dip and the easiest spot for a quick, calm dip close to town.
A tiny tidal cove below the Castle with a natural saltwater pool used since the 1800s. Magical at low tide — but unsignposted, steep-stepped and for confident swimmers only.
The North Sea is beautiful. Respect it.
- Never swim alone, and tell someone your plan and expected return.
- Check the official tide and weather forecast — our table is an estimate for planning only.
- Beware of rip currents near the Eden Estuary mouth at the north end of West Sands.
- The water is cold year-round — acclimatise slowly and know the signs of cold-water shock.
- Avoid swimming on an outgoing tide if you're unsure; it's harder to return to shore.
- In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Hundreds run into the sea at sunrise to wash away their academic sins. We run pre-dawn transfers that morning, when nothing else moves.
Beach day, dawn dip or coastal tour — we'll get you there.
Door to the sand and back, any hour of the day. Including 5am on the 1st of May.