During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been doing my government sanctioned exercise religiously and have exhausted pretty much every possible walk around me. In doing this, I have found a number of walks I did not know existed before lockdown. I started this post a few weeks back before the loosened restrictions and as keen as I am to get up a hill with the 5-mile limit being lifted this weekend, this will bring with it chock-a-block car-parks in the highlands and the question of where to use the facilities when public toilets are closed and you’re two hours from home… In short, it still seemed relevant!
Holyrood Park
Holyrood Park is known for the stunning walk up Arthur’s Seat, a now extinct volcano giving magnificent 360° views across the city, especially at sunset. However, there are a number of walks that can be taken; from the Salisbury Crags to the far flank of Arthur’s Seat. Head further down the low road to Duddingston Loch where you can spot swans and geese, and possibly even otters and deer! Loop back by heading along the main road and returning via the Innocent Railway.
Water of Leith
The Water of Leith is one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful walks, taking you away from the business of the city centre until you stumble upon the charming residential area of Dean’s Village. Walking from the shore in Leith to Dean’s Village takes the best part of 2 hours as you meander along with the river and pass through the New Town.
Blackford Hill
Blackford Hill is a beautiful walk in the south of Edinburgh which again gives incredible views as Arthur’s Seat emerges prominently from the cityscape. Wander through wooded areas and flowering glens before reaching the trig point and enjoying a well deserved break.
Cramond Island
Cramond Island is a tidal island that during low tide allows for you to walk out to it. Be sure to check the tide times and ensure you have enough time to get there and back – or you’ll risk getting stuck out there until the tide wanes hours later.
Calton Hill
Enjoy the short walk up Calton Hill at sunset and take this opportunity of empty streets to get some incredible pictures of Princes’ Street. Modelled upon the Greek Parthenon, the National Monument of Scotland sits at the top, built to commemorate the Scottish soldiers who fought in the Napoleonic wars. However 3 years after beginning its construction in 1826, it was left unfinished due to lack of funding. Calton Hill is arguably the best place in Edinburgh to watch the sunset due to the easy 5 minute climb up and the panoramic views across the city.
Edinburgh’s Old Town
If you’re not close enough to any of the incredible viewpoints in Edinburgh, you can still enjoy a scenic walk. Stroll through the streets of Old Edinburgh, taking time to wander down narrow alleys and into the closes. Dunbar Close on the Royal Mile offers an oasis of calm in the city, with flowering public gardens that’ll have you wishing you had brought a picnic! Wander through the Meadows or Princes’ Street gardens – which used to be a lake until it was drained in 1820.
Portobello
My current go-to walk is a 12k route around Arthur’s Seat, taking the low road out to Duddingston and then continuing through Figgate Park and out to the Promenade at Portobello before returning down London Road. This offers the best of Edinburgh’s volcanic rocks and historic buildings. Bonnie Prince Charles himself held a war council meeting in Duddingston village prior to the battle of Prestonpans! Even better than that, Portobello currently has a number of small cafés offering socially distanced coffees and ice-cream. And cocktails.
The Pentlands
Walk Highlands is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to get out and get walking, with an exhaustive list of potential walking routes around Scotland. The Pentlands are the closest hills to Edinburgh and offer gentle paved walks around the reservoir, steeper hikes up and over the hills and off the beaten track marches through the country.
I’m sure I’ve missed a number of walks – especially in the west of the city so let me know in the comments where your go-to walk is! For more detail on any of the above walks, check out Walk Highlands’ walk descriptions.
Dusky Footprints 