The Old Man

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in East Lothian

Scotland

The Old Man

Gullane Links Looking over Aberlady Bay from high ground on the golf courses.
Gullane Links Credit: Richard Webb

The Old Man, located in East Lothian, is a prominent coastal feature and natural landmark that is known for its stunning headland and point formation. Situated along the rugged coastline of Scotland, this geological wonder attracts a multitude of visitors every year.

Standing tall and majestic, The Old Man is a striking rock formation that juts out into the North Sea. Composed primarily of sandstone, the headland is characterized by its distinctive shape, resembling the profile of an old man's face, hence its name. Over the years, the relentless forces of wind and waves have carved intricate patterns into the rock, adding to its allure.

The Old Man is not only visually captivating but also holds significant historical and cultural importance. It has served as a navigational aid for sailors for centuries, guiding them along the treacherous coastline. Additionally, it has been the subject of folklore and legends, with tales of ancient battles and mythical creatures associated with its existence.

Nature enthusiasts are drawn to The Old Man for its diverse wildlife. The surrounding waters are home to a variety of seabirds, including gannets, puffins, and guillemots. Seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks, adding to the area's natural beauty.

Visitors can explore The Old Man by walking along the coastal path that offers panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. It provides an excellent vantage point for photographers and nature lovers alike.

In conclusion, The Old Man in East Lothian is a captivating coastal feature and headland that combines natural beauty, historical significance, and a rich wildlife habitat. Its unique shape and stunning views make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Scotland's rugged coastline.

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The Old Man Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.036316/-2.8666707 or Grid Reference NT4682. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gullane Links Looking over Aberlady Bay from high ground on the golf courses.
Gullane Links
Looking over Aberlady Bay from high ground on the golf courses.
Gullane Links Snow covered golf courses.
Gullane Links
Snow covered golf courses.
Gullane Links View over the golf courses towards Edinburgh.
Gullane Links
View over the golf courses towards Edinburgh.
Gullane Links A green on some of the higher ground at Gullane with a view of North Berwick Law.
Gullane Links
A green on some of the higher ground at Gullane with a view of North Berwick Law.
Temporary traffic lights on the A198 at Gullane The 2011 US Kids Golf European Championship was held from 31st May to 2nd June over Gullane Number 2, Gullane Number 3, Craigielaw, Luffness New and Longniddry golf courses. This is one of three temporary traffic light-controlled pedestrian crossings on the A198 road that were installed for the event. In this photo senior players are using the crossing to move from the 1st green to the 2nd tee on Gullane Number 2 course.
Temporary traffic lights on the A198 at Gullane
The 2011 US Kids Golf European Championship was held from 31st May to 2nd June over Gullane Number 2, Gullane Number 3, Craigielaw, Luffness New and Longniddry golf courses. This is one of three temporary traffic light-controlled pedestrian crossings on the A198 road that were installed for the event. In this photo senior players are using the crossing to move from the 1st green to the 2nd tee on Gullane Number 2 course.
Gullane Number 2 Golf Course This is a view of the downhill 17th par 4 hole towards Gullane with the A198 road behind the green. The distinctive shape of North Berwick Law is on the far right. The course was built in 1898 and the 1st and 18th holes are on the east side of the A198 road.
Gullane Number 2 Golf Course
This is a view of the downhill 17th par 4 hole towards Gullane with the A198 road behind the green. The distinctive shape of North Berwick Law is on the far right. The course was built in 1898 and the 1st and 18th holes are on the east side of the A198 road.
Gullane Bay at low tide Looking across from the Gullane Bents car park on a sunny August day, just after midday.
Gullane Bay at low tide
Looking across from the Gullane Bents car park on a sunny August day, just after midday.
Cleaning the beach at Gullane
Cleaning the beach at Gullane
Man with a mission... .. and a bottle, to collect a water sample for testing, to ensure that the beach continues to be up to its flag flying standard.
Man with a mission...
.. and a bottle, to collect a water sample for testing, to ensure that the beach continues to be up to its flag flying standard.
The beach at Gullane Looking west towards Bleaching Rocks - on a fine, quiet Wednesday afternoon in August.
The beach at Gullane
Looking west towards Bleaching Rocks - on a fine, quiet Wednesday afternoon in August.
A view of the Lomond Hills in Fife, from Gullane As seen looking northwest across Gullane Bay, from the south side of the Firth of Forth from Gullane Bents.
A view of the Lomond Hills in Fife, from Gullane
As seen looking northwest across Gullane Bay, from the south side of the Firth of Forth from Gullane Bents.
Yellow Mires An extensive wetland expanse by Aberlady Bay. One of the World War II anti tank blocks can be seen.
Yellow Mires
An extensive wetland expanse by Aberlady Bay. One of the World War II anti tank blocks can be seen.
Path, Aberlady Bay A popular and well surfaced path to the beach by Gullane Point.
Path, Aberlady Bay
A popular and well surfaced path to the beach by Gullane Point.
Golf course, Gullane The extensive links land around Gullane is home to several golf courses.
Golf course, Gullane
The extensive links land around Gullane is home to several golf courses.
Golf course, Gullane A view over a green and towards Cockenzie power station.
Golf course, Gullane
A view over a green and towards Cockenzie power station.
Dune front, Gullane Links Now far to the west of the mapped coast and moving westward. New dunes with marram grass are forming at the foot of the more established dunes. The beach is scoured clear of loose sand by recent windy weather.
Dune front, Gullane Links
Now far to the west of the mapped coast and moving westward. New dunes with marram grass are forming at the foot of the more established dunes. The beach is scoured clear of loose sand by recent windy weather.
Footpath sign, Gullane Links A signpost is slowly being buried in sand as the coastline advances westward. It is quite useful as there is no easy way of finding the best way off the beach and it is no use looking at a map.
Footpath sign, Gullane Links
A signpost is slowly being buried in sand as the coastline advances westward. It is quite useful as there is no easy way of finding the best way off the beach and it is no use looking at a map.
Path, Gullane Links Ignore the map, this is some way inland. The path is towards the end of a walk in to a usually quiet beach. Today there was no one about.
Path, Gullane Links
Ignore the map, this is some way inland. The path is towards the end of a walk in to a usually quiet beach. Today there was no one about.
Show me another place!

The Old Man is located at Grid Ref: NT4682 (Lat: 56.036316, Lng: -2.8666707)

Unitary Authority: East Lothian

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///cuter.harmonica.robot. Near Gullane, East Lothian

Nearby Locations

Jophies Neuk The Old Man

Related Wikis

Aberlady Bay

Aberlady Bay in East Lothian, Scotland lies between Aberlady and Gullane. In 1952, Aberlady Bay became the UK's first Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and is...

Aberlady, Gullane and North Berwick Railway

The Aberlady, Gullane and North Berwick Railway was promoted independently to develop settlements between Longniddry and North Berwick in East Lothian...

Gullane

Gullane ( GUL-ən or GIL-ən) is a town on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth in East Lothian on the east coast of Scotland. There has been a church...

Gullane railway station

Gullane railway station served the village of Gullane in Scotland. It was served by the Aberlady, Gullane and North Berwick railway. This line diverged...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.036316,-2.8666707
Gullane Point
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 56.0374856/-2.8656366
The Old Man
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 56.0363035/-2.8675803
Ironstone Cove
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 56.0377156/-2.8627501
Golf: pin
Lat/Long: 56.0348332/-2.8595808
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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