North Berwick Law

North Berwick Law is a volcanic hill in East Lothian with steep slopes and grassland that rises noticeably above the surrounding landscape. The summit features a distinctive jaw-shaped structure that serves as the hill's most recognizable landmark.

The hill was fortified in Iron Age times and later served as a military lookout during the Napoleonic Wars and World War II. This defensive role shaped the site's significance across different periods.

The hill serves as a local landmark that residents and visitors naturally gather around for walks and outings. The views from above shape how people see and connect with their surrounding landscape.

A marked pathway leads from the base car park to the summit, with the round trip taking about an hour to complete. The route has uneven footing in places and becomes slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

A whale jawbone has marked the summit since 1709, replaced with a fiberglass replica in 2008 to preserve this unusual tradition. This rare feature continues a centuries-old local custom that visitors can still see today.

Location: East Lothian

Elevation above the sea: 187 m

GPS coordinates: 56.04859,-2.71597

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:28