Edinburgh is known for its festivals, status as the birthplace of Harry Potter, and for local walking enthusiasts, its abundance of parks, hills, and bodies of water. Here, you can escape the fast pace of city life without having to leave the city at all, following one of the many paths and trails to immerse yourself in nature or enjoy a city-view.

This list of the best walks in Edinburgh has something for everyone, detailing a range of scenic walks, from a gentle stroll to a more strenuous hike. Treat it as your map and experience the lesser known joys the city has to offer.

1: The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links

The meadows and links is a large public park that sits just south of the city centre. It has numerous flat paths to follow, allowing you to create your own route for a relaxing stroll (and don’t worry, it’s very difficult to get lost). This route also offers great opportunities for people-watching, as you can often see fitness bootcampers, fire dancers, and sometimes even the man who walks his famous ferret on a lead while you sip your coffee bought from one of the many surrounding independent coffee shops.

Accessibility: Flat concrete paths with the occasional gentle incline/decline.

2: The Water of Leith

The next of the flat walks detailed on this list, the path that follows this river offers a tranquil escape from bustling New Town where you’ll hear only the running water and birds in the trees above you. Start at the picturesque Dean Village (which looks like an excellent setting for a fairy tale) and veer off the path or turn back whenever you want, alternatively continue all the way to the sea at Leith Docks if you’re after a longer 10km walk.

Accessibility: The paved decline down to Dean Village is short but steep, and you’ll encounter one or two small staircases along the otherwise flat and mostly paved path.

3: Blackford Hill

Blackford Hill is the best of Edinburgh’s 7 hills because of its greenery, close proximity to the city centre, and stunning views at its summit. It sits 2 miles south of the meadows and is easily accessed by foot, bike, or car, with parking available at its foot. Turn left or right once through the gate to follow clear paths leading you through the nature reserve to the top of the 164 metre hill, where you can take in the beauty of both the surrounding greenery and Scotland’s magnificent capital.

Accessibility: Dirt, grass, and rocky paths which vary in incline.

4: Arthur’s Seat’s Secret Hike

A secret and better alternative to the often busy path which leads up to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, this hike follows a path bordered by flowers which takes you up rocky stairs and offers you views of Arthur’s Seat, the city, the sea and mountains from the top.

Walk up the road from the roundabout that sits at the bottom of Arthur’s Seat, and when you reach the hill’s base follow the path that goes straight ahead, rather than turning left for The Crags or right for Arthur’s Seat. Follow this path to the summit, where you can either turn back or instead walk down the slope that runs parallel to The Crags to reach the castle ruins and Holyrood Park duck pond.

Accessibility: Gravel path, rocky stairs, and grassy downhill slope.

5: The Pentland Hills

Beginning 5 miles South-West of the city, the Pentlands are an expansive hill range which offers stunning scenery of hills, reservoirs, and animals. Travel to Flotterstone Inn by taking the line 101 bus from the city centre or driving, using the carpark and visiting the café before setting out into the stunning regional park where you’ll be immersed in nature. Follow the road for a gentle stroll along Glencourse reservoir or follow the signs that take you up the 600-metre-tall Scald Law, after which you can climb the hills that sit behind it before joining the country road for a relaxing walk back to the inn.

Accessibility: Offers both flat paved roads and steep grassy inclines.

Written by Anna Shapiro

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