The TravelScotland Selection: Best Edinburgh Walks

Water Of Leith

Opinion: Walking alongside Edinburgh's secret natural asset is indeed a treasured experience. The best way to explore this 24 miles stretch of water would be traversing along the Water of Leith Walkaway either by foot or bike. The Walkaway is more popularly known as 'a silver thread in a ribbon of green'. It makes its way right through the heart of Edinburgh from Balerno to Leith. Ravish a superb walk right through the city. Interesting places you can spot as you pass by the walkaway are namely Colinton Village and Dell (a popular glen walk), Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, Stockbridge, Dean Village (pretty by itself), the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art (splendid woodlands on the way), the Union Canal, the Royal Botanic gardens and Leith. Open 7 days 10am-4pm all year round.

START(A) Start with A70, proceed all the way to Currie followed by Juniper Green and Balerno; High School enroute the way is ideal for parking.

(B) From the Dean Village to Stockbridge : The marked gate opposite the Menzies Belford Hotel located on the Belford Road serves as an entrance.(a visit to the art galleries on the way can spice up your walk).

(C)Warriston, walk through the ancient graveyard and make your way to the Leith Shore. Entrance via the terminating point of the cul-de-sac at Warriston Crescent in Canonmills, up the bank and then to your left.

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Arthur's Seat

Opinion: This proud natural and legendary wonder hovers over the city of Edinburgh. You can walk over the lava flows of this extinct volcano and there are quiet a few routes which take you right to the top. You can enjoy the fascinating lights and awesome views radiating from the city whilst your uphill walk. The only thing you'll have to keep in mind is to take your gloves and traction footwear since the ground is a bit slippery. The best way would be possibly to start from St. Margaret's Loch. You can head for and stopover at the ruined chapel of St. Anthony's that you will find on the way. A small walk keeping to the right will lead you to the main route from Dunsapie Loch. Crow Hill is another top you can find on the way. Take the path down to Salisbury Crags. For any information on the Ranger service and special events hosted throughout the year, call 0131 652 8150.

PARK : You can park your car either beside the loch or in the space in front of the Holyrood palace

START: Enter the Palace Park which you can spot at the end of High Street . Either cross the main road or follow for 1km. You can find the loch on the right.

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Cramond

Opinion: You can spot this charming village which is also a popular sailing location lying comfortably beside the Firth of Forth. If you are a person who would love a quiet walk alongside beaches and fields, then you are sure to delight in this walk. The waterfront at Cramond showcases a variety of swans, seabirds and boats.(A) A leisurely seaside ramble alongside the 'prom' (to the right) (B) Proceed to the Cramond Island which lies a kilometer away. Take heed to cross the causeway during low tide. Best when it is tide out. (C) You have two options (i) either walk to South Queensferry (8 kilometers) or (ii) the other viable option is to enter by East Craigie gate which lies to the west of the Cramond Brig Hotel . (TGP- the once functional boat has now stopped running). Afterwards advance via the coastal path to the much heard about Dalmeny House. Free entry for public (Afternoon Jul & Aug, Sun-Tue) (D) Progress as follows Boathouse-River Almond Heritage Trail-Cramond Brig Hotel on A90 – Old Airport (about 3-8km). Revive yourselves at The Cramond Gallery Bistro (0131 312 6555) and the Cramond Inn.

START: Start with Queensferry road and then follow road signs which will lead you to Cramond.Go to the finishing point of the Cramond Glebe Road.

PARK: Huge parking space to the right of Cramond Glebe Road. Stride towards the sea.

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Corstorphine Hill

Opinion: An ideal spot where you can relax from your corporate worries.Contemplate amongst the oaks after a decent walk (even your dog ought to love it!) from the hustle and bustle of the city. See the radar Station which dates back to the war times and a supposedly secretly-kept nuclear bunker. You can also find a ruined tower that was once constructed as a tribute to Sir Walter Scott.Once at the zoo, you can feel that it does share boundaries with the plains of Africa.

START: 8 km from your starting point at Queensferry road, turn where it is signed Clermiston. The hill stretches for 2 kms on your left.

PARK: In any convenient and safe place on or near Clermiston Road

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