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All the United Kingdom Scotland North Berwick North Berwick Law
AO Edited

North Berwick Law

An amazing model of a whale's jaw bone pays homage to the region's seafaring traditions.

North Berwick, Scotland

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North Berwick Law whalebone arch   Stefan Schäfer, Lich / CC BY-SA 3.0
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
WWII lookout.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
WWII lookout.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Taken from North Berwick coastline   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Bass Rock.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
North Berwick Law   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Near the small fishing village of North Berwick in East Lothian, stands a 613-foot cone-shaped hill with some interesting features that reside at the apex.

The most striking is a fiberglass model of a whale's jawbone. Originally in 1709, there were actual mounted skeletal remains, but due to adverse weather conditions, the remains were replaced with models. The monument is meant to honor the seafaring traditions of the local community.

This ancient volcanic plug provides spectacular views of Bass Rock, as well as the Firth of Forth estuary and beyond. Other attributes found at the summit are a pair of military fortifications, although separated by several centuries. On one side are the remains of an Iron Age fort, and on the other is a lookout building used during both the Napoleonic Wars and World War II.

This domed-shaped hill, sometimes shortened to as just Berwick Law, has been here since the Ice Age. During that time, it has had a number of visitors, one of which would have been the naturalist John Muir.

He grew up in the nearby town of Dunbar. There are numerous trails emanating from there, including one that bears his name. In 1953, a bonfire was lit from this location to observe the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II.

Related Tags

Bones Animals World War Ii

Know Before You Go

Car and bike parking are available, with no other amenities.

Due to the rough terrain and outdoor weather, wear appropriate clothing and footwear. It is a gradual 30 - 45 minute hike to the top, with uneven surfaces and occasionally steep grades. It is advised not to attempt to use the north side of the Law for either ascent or descent, as it is extremely steep and treacherous. Please use the paths provided.

Be aware that there are rock climbers and wild ponies in the vicinity. Keep dogs on leads/leashes at all times.

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Michelle Cassidy

  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

February 4, 2022

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North Berwick Law
North Berwick, Scotland, EH39 4DR
United Kingdom
56.048552, -2.715009

Nearby Places

St Andrew's Kirk Ports

North Berwick, Scotland

miles away

Ruins of Tantallon Castle

North Berwick, Scotland

miles away

Bass Rock

East Lothian, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of North Berwick

North Berwick

Scotland

Places 3

Nearby Places

St Andrew's Kirk Ports

North Berwick, Scotland

miles away

Ruins of Tantallon Castle

North Berwick, Scotland

miles away

Bass Rock

East Lothian, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of North Berwick

North Berwick

Scotland

Places 3

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