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Caves, Hanging Rocks, Dirleton. |
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Description
Although well concealed to the casual passer-by, the two caves
at Hanging Rock near Dirleton are easily accessible at low tide.
They are located about 5 metres above the high tide line and can
be reached after a short climb. The larger of the two caves, the
cave to the east, has a wall at the entrance dating to some time
between the 4th and 12th centuries. Excavations have been
carried out at both locations and a range of items have been
recovered including part of a rotary quern, a whetstone, an iron
knife, a socketed spearhead, a whorl, bone pin and bone button
and the remains of two glass armlets. Pieces of Roman pottery
were also found along with charcoal indicating the presence of
fires. All these finds date around the Early Iron Age.
Directions
From the A198 road between Gullane and North Berwick, follow the
signs for the Yellowcraigs picnic site at the coast. Head down to
the beach and follow the coast/paths to the east towards
Edinburgh. After passing Marina Villa above on the cliff top, the
caves can be seen to the left. Note that this site is not readily
accessible at high tide.
Parking
There is ample parking at Yellowcraigs.
Fieldnotes
It was during a beach cycle with friend Bruce Mathieson on our
Surly Pugsley bicycles that I came across this location.
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