St Abb's Head
A spectacular sea-cliff nature reserve on the northeast coast of the Borders, where tens of thousands of seabirds nest on the cliffs in spring and summer.
St Abb's Head is a National Nature Reserve managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Every spring and summer, its volcanic cliffs, some 100 m high, fill with guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and a few puffins. From the visitor centre in the village of St Abbs, the clifftop loop is about 6 km, passing the lighthouse and Mire Loch, with sweeping sea views. The clear waters around the small fishing harbour at St Abbs are also a well-known diving spot in Britain. Entry is free; parking is charged. The site is about 55 km from Melrose, and can be paired with the fishing harbour at Eyemouth on a day trip.
Opening hours
Open all day (visitor center approx. Apr–Oct)
Nearby sights
- Kelso Abbey
- Floors Castle
- Mellerstain House
- Smailholm Tower
- Scott's View
- Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre
- Jedburgh Abbey
- Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum