The idle ramblings of a wandering Scotsman
Sometimes you don’t always want a long and arduous trek. These walks are all less than (approximately) 7 miles.
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”
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”
A gentle woodland wander in the heart of Edinburgh; follow canal, river and railway to reach a childhood haunt of a famous Scottish author.
Visit the largest 3D map of a country in the world near an unassuming village in the Scottish Borders.
Continue reading “The Great Polish Map of Scotland”
St Cuthbert was an Anglo-Saxon monk who took up residence on the island of Lindisfarne, where he would one day become bishop. After his death, he was said to be the cause of many great miracles and was venerated as a saint. For this reason, the island he once called home became a popular pilgrimage site — but not one accessed by boat. Instead, when the tide recedes, it is possible to walk across the sand to reach this most Holy Island.
Continue reading “The Pilgrim’s Path to Lindisfarne”
High on a lonely hillside stands a stony herd – the Norber Erratics. These great boulders, deposited by passing glaciers during the last Ice Age, have dotted the landscape for thousands of years. Being made of sandstone, the weather had affected them differently to the surrounding limestone pavement – rain erodes the limestone at a much faster rate, leaving the erratics perched atop narrow stone pedestals that look rather like legs. I can’t help but feel that they might just wander off on some new adventure.
Continue reading “The Norber Erratics”
A gentle introduction to the Pentland Hills that is easily accessible from Edinburgh.
Continue reading “Capelaw Hill”
A short walk reveals a rocky haven for bandits and clansmen hiding from the prying eyes of the law — join me on the hunt for MacGregor’s Cave.
Continue reading “The Hunt for MacGregor’s Cave”
What would you do if you were offered the choice between death or to be married to the ugliest woman alive? Find out what happened when one bold Reiver had to make this very choice on a walk through Thornielee Forest.
Continue reading “Thornielee Forest”
Embark on a trek across open moorland on the edges of the Simonside hills to reach a hidden lake in the Northumberland National Park.
Continue reading “Darden Lough”