Welcome to the Dirleton Solar Walk
Discover the wonders of our Solar System through a unique 1.2km scale model, with learning for all ages.
Walk or wheel from the Sun in Dirleton, to Neptune at 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 from Dirleton Primary School.
Walk from the Sun to Neptune and experience the solar system, step by step.
Discover the Dirleton Solar System Project
Ever wondered how vast our solar system really is? The Dirleton Solar Walk lets you traverse the distances between planets without leaving Earth!
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 immersive educational experience is unlike any other, allowing you to explore the celestial bodies and their positions as you walk.
We have created a stunning physical installation of the Sun and all eight planets along the John Muir Way, stretching over 1.2 km between Dirleton Village and Archerfield Walled Gardens, in East Lothian, Scotland. This installation offers the public a tangible sense of our solar system's vast distances and sizes. It's free and open access. Just come, and you can walk the path freely, any time, and learn about the solar system in the beautiful outdoors.
The children of Dirleton Primary School have collaborated with the 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?
Close to Edinburgh and in the beautiful East Lothian countryside, between the idyllic village of Dirleton and the stunning Archerfield Estate, the Dirleton Solar walk is 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 child, a parent, or a space enthusiast, the Dirleton Solar Walk offers something for everyone.
Engaging for All Ages
Educational Fun
Learn about the planets, their sizes, and distances in a way that textbooks 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 planets, adding an extra layer of excitement to your journey
Plan Your Cosmic Journey
Ready to start your adventure? Visit 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 Gardens
Access and parking
Free. Park in Dirleton village or the Archerfield walled garden