Leap Rocks

Island in East Lothian

Scotland

Leap Rocks

Milsey Bay Bass Rock can be seen in the distance to the east. — Milsey Bay Credit: Gary Rogers

Leap Rocks is a small island located off the coast of East Lothian, Scotland. Situated in the Firth of Forth, it is part of a group of islands known as the Firth of Forth Islands Nature Reserve. This rocky outcrop spans roughly 2 hectares and is accessible only by boat.

The island is renowned for its unique geology, consisting of a series of rugged cliffs and rock formations. These formations, known as "leap rocks," give the island its name. The rocks are composed mainly of sandstone and shale, with some areas featuring exposed layers of fossil-rich sediment.

Leap Rocks is a haven for a diverse range of marine and avian wildlife. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, including seals, dolphins, and various species of fish. The island's cliffs provide nesting sites for numerous seabirds, such as guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. During the breeding season, the island is particularly busy with these birds, creating a cacophony of calls and a vibrant atmosphere.

Access to Leap Rocks is restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem. However, visitors can still appreciate the island's beauty from the water, either by taking a boat tour or kayaking around its perimeter. The island's proximity to the mainland makes it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers.

Leap Rocks offers a unique opportunity to experience Scotland's coastal wildlife and witness the power of nature in shaping the landscape. Its geological features and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive natural experience in East Lothian.

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Leap Rocks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.063015/-2.7237401 or Grid Reference NT5585. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Milsey Bay

Bass Rock can be seen in the distance to the east.

Gary Rogers

Golf, Rugged Knowes.

Its East Lothian, so a golf course in not far away, in this case it is The Glen. Bass Rock beyond.

Richard Webb

Beach, North Berwick.

Taken from The Seabird Centre, one of North Berwick's beaches and The Law.

Richard Webb

North Berwick Law

'Summit' of North Berwick Law with whale jawbone (removed in 2005). There has been a jawbone on the Law for approx 300 years until now. The building is an old watch house dating back to the Napoleonic Wars.

Craig J Seath

Summit of North Berwick Law

These Jawbones were for many years a prominent feature of the summit but I believe they have recently fallen over and are awaiting being put back in place. The summit also has buildings dating from the second world war when the hill was a lookout for boats on the Firth of Forth and also the remains of an old fort. The view is north over the town of North Berwick to the island of Craigleith.

Kevin Rae

North Berwick and East Fortune

Taken from a microlight at about 6000 ft

Alex Cosser

West Links.

With Craigleith offshore.

Richard Webb

Carlekemp.

Big house across the West Links. Formerly the preparatory school for St Augustus Abbey.

Richard Webb

Golf Hotel, North Berwick

Amongst a lot of big houses on the road into North Berwick from the west.

Richard Webb

New houses, North Berwick.

North Berwick, with its surviving railway link is one of the most expensive places to live in Scotland.

Richard Webb

North Berwick

The railway station, with a frequent service to Edinburgh. There have been many attempts at closure, but now ex intercity trains are sometimes used because of the number of passengers.

Richard Webb

Large house, North Berwick.

A lot of Edinburgh money headed this way about 100 years ago, thanks to the railway. There are many houses like this one.

Richard Webb

Gilsland.

Part of an enormous caravan site on the edge of North Berwick.

Richard Webb

N Berwick Law Quarry

The gorse in full bloom & smell - gorgeous. The former Quarry below N Berwick Law has been partially filled & is now a venue for climbers, with some hard overhanging climbs (plus some easier ones). A volcanic plug shaped by glacial action

Alastair Seagroatt

Factory, Heugh Road.

Trad sawtoothed factory architecture on the edge of not very industrial North Berwick.

Richard Webb

Holediggery, North Berwick.

Looking west along a dug up passage on the edge of town.

Richard Webb

The Lamb

There are several islands in the Firth of Forth, this one is 'The Lamb' from Yellowcraigs. These islands are volcanic plugs.

Alastair Seagroatt

Craigleith

These are a couple of islands in the Firth of Forth. Craigleith is the near one with the Bass Rock further away. Picture taken from Yellowcraigs. The islands are volcanic plugs, with the Bass Rock being the biggest gannetry in Europe.

Alastair Seagroatt

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Leap Rocks is located at Grid Ref: NT5585 (Lat: 56.063015, Lng: -2.7237401)

Unitary Authority: East Lothian

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders