The Surf Window

Coldingham Bay

Scottish Borders, Scotland

Beach breakBeginner

On Scotland's Berwickshire coast, Coldingham Bay is a sheltered cove below the cliffs of St Abb's Head that wraps northeast swells into a consistent and relatively protected beach break popular with the Edinburgh and Scottish Borders surf community.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)
Size–E 1–2.5m at 10–14s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand and pebble

Shape

Beach peaks in the sheltered bay

Length

40–80m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Sheltered cove makes it more accessible than exposed Scottish breaks

Hazards

  • •Cold North Sea water, 7–12°C
  • •Rocky cliffs around the bay
  • •Limited parking, can fill up on good days

Local Tips

  • •St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve above the bay has spectacular seabird colonies
  • •The dive sites off St Abb's Head are among Scotland's best
  • •Coldingham village has a historic priory worth exploring

Location

Map showing the location of Coldingham Bay in Scottish Borders, Scotland

55.8927, -2.1298