The idle ramblings of a wandering Scotsman
These walks all lie within the City of Edinburgh, and can be easily accessed by public transport. Whether you’re looking for a day-long walk or a quick evening stroll, there’s plenty to offer without leaving the city.
Arthur’s Seat dominates Edinburgh’s skyline. Its proximity to the city centre means that it is a popular destination: at most times of day, you can look up to the hillside and make out the shapes of walkers climbing to its summit. Climb it yourself, and learn some of the history of Holyrood Park, on this short but scenic walk in the heart of the city.
Continue reading “Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park”
You’ll take in plenty of history on this pleasant walk along the River Almond to visit the ruined Cammo Estate.
Continue reading “Cammo and the River Almond”
This 11-mile linear walk takes in some of the best that the Pentlands have to offer. Starting from Bonaly on the outskirts of Edinburgh, you’ll visit four reservoirs as you climb Turnhouse and Carnethy hills then continue through the picturesque Green Cleugh to reach Balerno.
Continue reading “Bonaly to Balerno via Carnethy”
Castlelaw may not be one of the highest hills in the Pentlands, but it has panoramic views across the Lothians. Journey through picturesque valleys to visit a well-preserved Iron Age hill fort on this 12km walk from Bonaly.
Continue reading “Castlelaw from Bonaly”
Visiting the Red Moss, Black Springs, and Green Cleugh, this walk takes in some of the most colourfully named places in the Pentlands.
Continue reading “Around Threipmuir Reservoir”
What connects the author Robert Louis Stevenson, the Knights of St John, and a Norseman named Sveinn? Find out on this 4 mile hill walk from the picturesque Edinburgh suburb of Swanston.
Continue reading “Allermuir Hill from Swanston”
You don’t need to travel to far-off places to find pieces of ancient history. Nestled by the roadside in a quiet residential suburb of Edinburgh stands a prehistoric standing stone known as the Caiy Stane. But who put it there, and why?
Continue reading “The Caiy Stane: Edinburgh’s Hidden Standing Stone”
Edinburgh may not have the Thames or the Clyde, but it does have a fine river all of its own if you know where to look. Join me on a walk along the Water of Leith, taking in the sights of this hidden pathway through the heart of the city.
Continue reading “The Water of Leith Walkway”
Discover one of the world’s most iconic bridges and follow in the footsteps of literary legends and haunted hounds in this coastal walk near Scotland’s capital.
Continue reading “South Queensferry and the Dalmeny Estate”
Most people choose to climb Scald Law from the south — but you’re not like most people. Take an afternoon to climb to the roof of the Pentlands and take in some beautiful sights along the way.
Continue reading “The Red Road to Scald Law”