Dogging in Edinburgh and the Lothians: area guide
Edinburgh and the Lothians pairs a compact capital with farmland, hills and a long Forth coast. This guide covers the lie of the land, daylight by month and getting about safely. It does not list private spots.
- The lie of the land
- Getting about safely
- Daylight through the year
- The law and your safety
- Questions about Edinburgh and the Lothians
- Nearby areas
The lie of the land in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Edinburgh is the capital and the hub, with the Lothians spread around it. West Lothian brings Livingston, Bathgate and Linlithgow. Midlothian has Dalkeith, Penicuik and Bonnyrigg. East Lothian runs along the Firth of Forth through Musselburgh, Haddington, North Berwick and Dunbar.
The land changes fast. The Pentland Hills Regional Park rises just south-west of the city, and the Moorfoot Hills lie beyond Midlothian. East Lothian is open arable country with the Lammermuir Hills behind it and a coast of sandy bays and low cliffs. Bass Rock shows from far along the shore.
Edinburgh itself is tight, hilly and full of one-way systems. The Lothians are far more spread out, so most people there drive. A quiet edge-of-farmland road close to the city can become busy at odd times for reasons no one can explain. Distances are short, so a quick change of plan is easy, but so is a long trip home after a late finish.
Getting about safely
The A720 city bypass loops the south of Edinburgh and joins the M8 to the west and the A1 to the east. The M9 and M8 link Linlithgow, Livingston and Glasgow, while the M90 crosses the Queensferry Crossing to Fife. The A68, A7 and A701 head south into the Borders, and all of them are busy at commuter times.
Trains run from Waverley and Haymarket to Dunbar, North Berwick, Livingston, Linlithgow and across the Forth Bridge to Fife. The tram links the airport and the city centre. Late trains are sparser than the daytime service, and some lines finish well before midnight, so check your last train or book a taxi home.
On the coast in spring and early summer, a cold sea mist called haar can roll inland and cut visibility sharply, even on a sunny day. Hill roads such as the A702 can ice up while the city streets stay clear. Some country roads are unlit, and signal can fade in the Pentlands. Share your plans and your location with someone you trust.
Daylight in Edinburgh and the Lothians through the year
Typical times for Edinburgh, in UK local time, around the middle of each month. Use them to plan your journey home as well as your arrival.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Dusk ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 08:34 | 16:10 | 16:55 |
| February | 07:38 | 17:15 | 17:55 |
| March | 06:29 | 18:15 | 18:53 |
| April | 06:08 | 20:18 | 20:59 |
| May | 05:01 | 21:18 | 22:09 |
| June | 04:26 | 22:00 | 23:03 |
| July | 04:47 | 21:48 | 22:45 |
| August | 05:43 | 20:49 | 21:33 |
| September | 06:44 | 19:30 | 20:09 |
| October | 07:43 | 18:12 | 18:50 |
| November | 07:48 | 16:05 | 16:48 |
| December | 08:37 | 15:37 | 16:25 |
Dusk ends is when civil twilight finishes, usually 30 to 50 minutes after sunset in southern England and longer further north. After that you need lights. Times shift by a few minutes across the area.
The law and your safety
Wherever you are, the basics don't change. Get a clear yes from everyone. Tell someone where you're going. Stay sober. Keep out of sight of anyone who hasn't agreed to see you. Use condoms, and use a new one with each partner.
Questions about Edinburgh and the Lothians
Do you list dogging spots in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
No. This guide covers the area, not private places. We don't name car parks, lay-bys or woods, because other people use them too and visitors can end up in trouble.
Does this guide cover only the city or the wider Lothians?
Both. It takes in the City of Edinburgh, West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian, from Linlithgow to Dunbar.
What is haar and why does it matter?
Haar is a cold sea fog that drifts in off the Firth of Forth and the North Sea. It is most common on the East Lothian coast in spring and early summer. Slow down, use dipped lights and allow extra time.
Which guide covers Fife and the Borders?
Fife has its own guide, reached over the Forth bridges. The Borders and Dumfries and Galloway guide covers the hills and valleys south of the Lothians.
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