shifting light

Belhaven + Hedderwick Sands, 19 May

I’m writing this at the start of a new week, on a rainy Monday morning when there’s barely any daylight and after a weekend when Storms Austen and Boelo battered their way across the country. It’s one of those autumn days that reminds you what winter will feel like – and soon.

So I’m rewinding to May again, and this beautiful evening walk at Belhaven. Coming over the dunes, we were met by a low-ish tide and an empty beach, and Raf and Oak were running and exploring while I was taking videos. At the far end of the shore, we headed back over the dunes to the wide expanse of Hedderwick Sands, and skirted along the edge of the marshland before finding a spot to cross to the stretch of beach that borders the woodland.

A well kent route, as regular readers will know, but one that always feels different depending on the tides and the light and the sky – and this sky was pretty dramatic once we reached the marshland. These coastal walks don’t announce each new season in the way that landscapes do once inland, but there are always subtle signs of change, as shown here with the pink sea thrift blooming along the edge of the salt marsh.

Belhaven + Hedderwick Sands, East Lothian, 19 May 2026