St Helen’s Church and Hutton’s Unconformity at Siccar Point

A linear route out to the stunning view point above Siccar Point. We do not recommend scrambling down the steep hill to reach the rock formations, but if you are tempted, please take a note of the tides.

The formations will be more visible at low tide.
St Helen’s Church (now a ruin) was dedicated to Emperor Constantines mother and served the original parish of Aldcambus. In 1788 James Hall and John Playfair discovered a rock formation that proved James Hutton’s theory that the Earth was much older than originally thought. The discovery revolutionised geological study.


1. Follow the Berwickshire Coastal Path from Pease Bay across the pedestrian bridge adjacent to the ford and proceed uphill to the first bend in the road. Follow the signposted path off the road, climbing steps up the sea braes and round the path on Pealands Bank. This sea brae offers exceptional views of the Bay and East Lothian and at low tide the bay south of Pease has impressive rock strata formations.

2. In the distance you will see the ruins of the 12th Century St Helen’s Church. Turn left on emerging to the tar road and follow it for a few hundred yards, until met with a sign post for St Helen’s and Siccar Point.

3. Follow the stone dyke from St Helen’s Kirk along the cliff top. You pass through two fields, the dyke discontinues and a fence line leads you to an information board and kissing gate. You have reached Siccar Point; Hutton’s unconformity is below.

4. You are not recommended to proceed down to investigate the geology of the rocks. Retrace your steps back to Pease Bay. Or, for some variety, follow the road to Pease bridge and follow either route down through the Dean. Be mindful that these roads carry fast moving and often heavy farm traffic - Keep to the oncoming verge to be seen by traffic.