Tidal Pool Tour
For hundreds of years, Scottish coastal communities have been harnessing the nature around them so they can safely swim. Tidal pools offer a sheltered swim, avoiding the risks of the North Sea’s strong currents and rough waves. Without these special places, people would have no way to immerse themselves in their local landscape.
What are tidal pools? They’re natural sea pools that fill with seawater on an ebbing tide. What makes them different from rockpools is that they also have a manmade element like metal steps or a cement wall. They’re an inspiring symbol of how communities have worked with their environment to create secluded swimming spaces that can be enjoyed by everyone! Many have existed for generations and have fascinating stories of how they came to be – and how they’ve stayed open, despite conservation and funding issues.
Tidal pools are landmarks of a community’s hope and resilience, and visiting them can serve as a reminder that we all deserve to feel connected to the water around us. The water that belongs to us! On this tour you’ll visit five tidal pools, and learn about the Scottish coast’s history, archaeology and landscape. Not to mention the chance to enjoy some stunning seawater dips!
 | North Berwick Tidal Pool When you stand in North Berwick, there’s coastal history to be seen all around you… |
 | Portobello Beach Similar to North Berwick, Portobello once had an open-air lido… |
 | Wardie Bay Arrive at Wardie Bay via a scenic walk, taking in the sights and sounds of the coastal path… |
 | St Monans Tidal Pool This clay-coloured pool is a spectacular setting for watching the sunset with the windmill reflected in the water… |
 | Pittenweem Tidal Pool Just a five-minute drive from St Monans you’ll find Pittenweem, a picturesque fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife… |
 | Cellardyke Tidal Pool Cellardyke is a rectangular tidal pool sheltered from rough seas where the water is replenished each high tide. This coastal jewel is known as The Bathie or The Cardinal Steps Bathing Pool… |
 | Castle Pool In St Andrews you’ll find a tidal pool on Castle Sands beach. Castle Pool is surrounded by rocky formations which make this an atmospheric swim… |
 | And Beyond… If you’re interested to extend your tour of tidal pools you can take a day trip North to Wick to visit North Baths and The Trinkie… |
This tour is developed by Freya Bromley, author of The Tidal Year and avid swimmer. For more, visit: https://www.freyabromley.com/.