St Mary’s Whitekirk to Prestonkirk East Linton – Saturday 27th September 2025
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On May 30th, we will be walking the 14 miles from St Mary’s Church, Haddington, to St Mary’s, Whitekirk, with stops on the way for refreshments at Athelstaneford and Prestonkirk in East Linton. The walk will commence from St Mary’s Haddinton after a short service at 9.30 am.
Those wishing to join in should be prepared for some gentle inclines along the way, and, as always, should dress for all Scottish weathers.
Please provide your own transport and a packed lunch. (Some transport may be possible for those not able to do the whole walk.)
WHITEKIRK to PRESTONKIRK WALK
Walk Details
The walk is on part of the Forth to Farne Way, is approximately 6.5km on level ground, tarred side roads, farm tracks and grassy paths.
St Mary’s Parish Church, Whitekirk was mostly rebuilt in the early 1900s after it had suffered a fire. On the hillside just behind the church is a large former Tithe Barn (15th century) which was used to accommodate pilgrims in the middle ages. At that time approx 10,000 pilgrims a year would pass through Whitekik on their way to North Berwick, an on to St Andrew’s.
We leave Whitekirk on the West Road. To the south of the road is Binning Memorial Wood, a popular alternative ‘resting place’.
After approx 2km we turn south on road and farm tracks that will take us through Kamehill Farm and eventually to East Linton. To the East of the way you will see the former Newbyth Mansion House which after a destructive fire was restored and formed into flats for private rental.
After 3km we join the B1377 just outside and above the south of East Linton. From this point you get a panoramic view over the River Tyne valley, Traprain Law and the Hammer Muirhead Hills. To our left is a 16C beehive dovecot which housed 500 pigeons in its day.
From here we drop down into East Linton to end our walk at Prestonkirk Parish Church. The church was founded by St Baldred in the 6thC. The existing tower dates from 1631 and the main building from1770. The beautiful St Baldred Window was installed in1959.
After lunch you are welcome to join us for some updates on a number of SPRF pilgrimage routes and stay for AGM of SPRF.
Athelstaneford to Prestonkirk May 2025
The Pilgrimage on Saturday 10th May took place in glorious sunshine. We met at Athelstaneford Church, and walked to Prestonkirk. Around 40 people joined us at various points.
Pilgrimage has been an important part of the life of our church for many years. As well as organising local pilgrimage walks, some of our members and previous ministers have been instrumental in establishing the Forth to Farne route between North Berwick and Lindisfarne.
