Dirleton Solar Walk
Experience the wonders of our Solar System through a unique, walkable and wheelable scale model in East Lothian, with learning and discovery about the planets and the night sky suitable for all ages.
You can walk or wheel from The Sun, situated in the village of Dirleton, to Neptune at the Archerfield Walled Garden, in about half an hour. At this scale, that’s faster than the speed of light!
Designed and built with help from leading Scottish universities and the children of Dirleton Primary School.
Discover the Solar System, one small step at a time.
Walk or wheel the length of the Solar System
Ever wondered how vast our Solar System really is? The Dirleton Solar Walk lets you traverse the distances between planets without leaving East Lothian!
The Dirleton Solar Walk is a 1:3.6 billion scale model of the Solar System, where every step you take represents millions of kilometers in space. This educational and engaging experience is unlike any other, allowing you to explore the celestial bodies and their positions as you walk or wheel.
We have created a stunning physical installation featuring scaled representations of the Sun and the eight planets, with both the distances between them and their sizes proportionately reduced. All of this is laid out on on a section of the John Muir Way, stretching over 1.2 km between Dirleton village and Archerfield Walled Garden, in East Lothian, Scotland.
This installation offers you a tangible sense of our Solar System's vast distances and sizes, and a wealth of fun facts and information about each planet and the night sky — and it's free and open access. Just start at either end, and you can walk or wheel the path freely, any time, and learn about our incredible Solar System in the great outdoors.
The children of Dirleton Primary School have collaborated with a team from Heriot-Watt University to study the planets and develop engaging content that is great for kids, parents, and anyone with an interest in space!
Why visit?
Situated near Edinburgh in the beautiful East Lothian countryside, between the idyllic village of Dirleton and the stunning Archerfield Estate, the Dirleton Solar Walk is well worth a trip.
Beautiful Scenery
The walk is set along the picturesque John Muir Way, offering a blend of scientific discovery and natural beauty.
Interactive Learning
Discover the planets of our Solar System through a beautiful physical installation.
Whether you're a student, a parent, or just a space enthusiast, the Dirleton Solar Walk offers a great day out.
Engaging for All Ages
Educational Fun
Learn about the planets and the night sky in a way that textbooks and videos just can't provide.
Collaborative Effort
Augmented Reality
This project is a collaboration between Dirleton Primary School, Heriot-Watt University, and Glasgow School of Art, hosted on the scenic Archerfield Estate.
Use your smartphone to see 3D models of the planets, adding an extra layer of excitement to your journey.
Plan your cosmic journey
Ready to start your adventure? Go to our Plan Your Trip page to get all the details you need for your visit, including maps, starting points, and what to expect along the way.
Location
Dirleton village & Archerfield Walled Garden
Access and parking
Access is free. You can park in Dirleton village or at the Archerfield Walled Garden.