What a great hike! Easy enough and walkable from the majority of Edinburgh. You can take a few…read moredifferent paths to get to the summit. We took the one on the edge of the cliff and it was steep, so maybe avoid that one. There is one that takes a dirt path that is a little less steep to get up to Arthur's Seat. This summit provides a beautiful panoramic view of Edinburgh. Open 24/7, it's definitely worth a visit (maybe even more than once!)

I have hiked Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, a few times and it's not for the faint of heart…read more But if you want a challenging workout with fantastic views of Edinburgh as your reward, this is for you! There are a few different ways to make your way up to the top. For first timers, I would suggest taking the route near Holyrood Palace which, while not easy, is more gentle than the route near Pollock Halls. My first time up, I took the latter and ended up climbing up boulders - which felt a bit precarious. No matter which way you go up, bring lots of water and wear shoes with good traction. You will definitely feel like you accomplished something when you reach the top. And, as I mentioned, the views are spectacular! At the summit, I always make a point to touch both the white triangulation pillar and the bronze geographical indicator. On our most recent trip, it was April so the weather was perfect! The previous time, we hiked it in August when it was a little too warm and we were greeted by swarms of midges at the top!

I only did a small portion of the 22 mile long walk, but the section I waked was lovely, and a nice…read moregreen corridor within a bustling city. I started at Dean Village, and walked through Dean Garden to the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. It was a nice alternative to walking the city streets or taking transport to the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, which was my destination. It took me just about an hour at an easy stroll with brief stops to take a few pictures. I sent a few of those pictures to some girlfriends and their comments were, "It's like you're in a storybook" and "Gorgeous, that can't be real." Take a look at the pictures and see if you agree. Or better yet, take a walk and see for yourself!

The Water of Leith is my happy place…read more Anytime I'm having an off day, it's a perfect little refuge just steps from my door for a wander and a think. The fact that you can traverse most of the city via its paths? Well sheesh, like I needed another reason to love Edinburgh...

Holyrood Park is a large park home to a number of historic sites and landmarks accessible via a…read moretrail system, including Arthur's Seat, Hunter's Bog, Dunsapie Crag, St Anthony's Chapel, Duddingston Loch, and The Radical Road. I approached on foot the morning of Friday 19 July 2019, reaching a sign of the park and its trail system at approximately 9:31 a.m. There were a number of cars coming and going already. It was my first visit to the park, so I opted to walk and skip any hassle I might encounter with parking. I was happy with that decision as it was a quick look at the map to get my bearings and I was on my way without needing to find parking. For my final destination in the park for the visit, I chose to hike to the top of Arthur's Seat - remains of a volcano that was active over 300 million years ago. The trails were well maintained and well designed for handling a large number of hikers.

This hike was perfect!! Beautiful weather in June, over looked the city, not crowded at all, and…read moreeasy for a family to tackle together (just keep small ones away from the edges as some areas are steep drop offs abruptly).

Several months ago as we were planning our trip to Scotland, MIL sent me a clipping of an article…read moreshe'd spotted the "Washington Post": the best things to do in Scotland with kids. 1) She still snail-mails newspaper clippings. 2) We don't have kids. And 3) She knows her son well. As soon as I read about Raptor World, I broke out the laptop and e-mailed for a reservation. Husband's big on birds, even more so on those large birds of prey, so I booked the Thistle Experience for our first full day in Scotland. It was billed as a half-day, personalized experience in the Scottish countryside. And since our party comprised five people, no one else would be joining us (group size maxes out at six). The description is nearly exactly what we received. For a little over three hours, six of us -- including our capable guide, Stuart -- hiked through the Scottish country with two Harris hawks. We received a brief introduction to handling the birds, including how to hold them using gauntlets (thick leather gloves), release them to hunt, call them back and feed them. Our birds, Squeak and Orkney, were beautiful, patient and largely cooperative, and Stuart was incredibly knowledgeable and informative. We learned the history of falconry and were able to witness this ancient craft in action as Squeak and Orkney stalked prey amidst some truly spectacular scenery. Adding to the enjoyment were the verdant sheep pastures and farmlands, carved into the rocky hillsides, through which we passed (Scotland's Laws of Trespass allow public access to private lands so long as "no damage" is done to said lands). Raptor World's excursions leave from several places in Tayside. We departed from the Bridge of Cally Hotel in Blairgowrie where we met Stuart in his rugged Santana right on time. Prices vary by experience, but we ended up paying around US$150 (roughly £98) per person, which seemed reasonable considering the richness and length of our experience. When we got back home, husband declared that our Raptor World afternoon was his favorite experience of the trip -- ten days and dozens upon dozens of other experiences in between. I definitely feel like we discovered one of the best things to do in Scotland with kids at heart.

This is a very easy, very rewarding wee hike right outside Stirling. It's real simple. Just drive…read moreinto the town centre (of sorts) of Menstrie, right on the A91. Across from the Spar there's a big open green, at the back of which you'll see a Scouts Hall. Park somewhere near there. Follow the path to the left of the Hall. You'll see a sign that helpfully says "Path," pointing to a cement staircase curving up to the right. The first part of the climb is a bit blah, but once you get past the teensy dirt path and the weird abandoned hobo pit (don't be scared...it's all ancient rusty cans) and over the crest of the hill, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views. There are approximately 72,004 sheep to terrify you with their horns, who will promptly skitter away if you come within ten feet of them. The last little stretch to the top is somewhat steep, but definitely do-able. We were all in sneakers (or trainers, if you will) and during our one hour hike to the ascent we were lapped by a man who jogged to the top and back in under 30 minutes. If a guy can do it every day on his lunch break, then so can you. It's a mostly beautiful amble with spectacular views of the William Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle once you reach the top. Well worth a visit and definitely earns a trip to the pub afterwards.

Our last day we took a walk here, and The Meadows was the perfect place to get in steps and pass…read morethe time. This large, clean park is near the university with walking/running trails. It is surrounded by trees. If you look above the trees you'll see how modern architecture blends with the very old buildings. In the park is a playground for toddlers and a little older children. A short-game 36-hole golf course is here with a neat history listed on the signs. You walk on at no cost carrying a wedge and putter and practice/play as long as you want. We saw two girlfriends playing, and two businessmen in shirts and ties playing during their lunch hour. There is also a dog park. Take a walk here on the paved paths.

Ah the meadows. The name implies multiples of meadow, but it's really just one large field. The…read morearea is ringed by trees, there is a fenced-in dog and people park on the side, and ample room to laze about and look up at the clouds. You can see Arthur's seat in the distance, which is where we were headed when we decided to stop and sit. I found the place clean enough, but near my area of laze there were a multitude of cigarette butts. It didn't bother me too much, but I could have done without it.

This is a place that I didn't think I could do because of climbing hills but It's not all that bas…read moreas you can walk on the lower ground and still get a good view of things. I didn't climb any high hills for a bigger view, that's something I can go back to the Pentland Hills and do another day. Just walking about in the forest was pretty cool, i like that kind of thing plus it was so relaxing and peaceful. There was a sign that I passed, it was funny because someone altered the sign and it said "no parking, pissing place only" lol hehe. Did you knew that Amy Soldiers do exercise in Pentland Hills with firing there guns, a sign posted for warning, just in case you get a bullet in you bum. A great atmosphere at the Pentlands as everybody would pass you and say hello, it was nice, everyone was enjoying there day out. Ideal for walking your dog's or just hanging out with family/friends. Would consider going back again sometime very soon. https://socialsandi1.com/2018/08/05/pentlandhills-regional-park/

Wilderness, Waterfalls, Rivers and Raccoon's (well, maybe not these ;-) )…read more I was looking for a place to enjoy a nice afternoon stroll and which should be in proximity to Edinburgh city. Well, I am so lucky to live in a town surrounded by "mountains" which are called the Pentland Hills. There are several lakes/ water reservoirs in the Pentland Hills Regional Park which are accessible using several walking routes. We walked towards the Glencorse reservoir. A good start or end for the journey is the Flotterstone Inn and the Information centre nearby. Take your rucksack, get good walking boots, warm clothes and off it goes. Follow the paths which are clearly marked and you can't get lost. You might even pass an occasional waterfall! For the travelers without a car, you can hop on a bus and get off at Flotterstone Inn (but be careful - buses are a rare occurrence and you could be stranded) Lovely place!

A small hike my friend took me on, it didn't look like much when we started but the higher you get,…read morethe better it gets. Once we reached the top, we were treated to a GORGEOUS view of Arthur's Seat. I almost cried because of how beautiful it was. We then laid in the grass and I am not exaggerating when I say it is the best grass i have EVER laid on. The grass was so soft and warm. I still remember it so well, it saddens me to think I might never feel grass that soft and warm again. All other grass now pales in comparaison. Sigh.

If you're looking for a fantastic view over the city and a walk in peaceful surroundings this is a…read moregreat choice. It's a little bit further to get to from the centre, as apposed to Calton Hill, Salisbury Crags or Arthurs Seat so you may need to walk to get there or catch a bus. It's still worth it though! Take a flask or a bite to eat and enjoy a seat on one of the benches or lay out on the grass. Make sure you explore round the hill as there is a very nice walk through the trees. Don / www.edinburghphotowalks.com

There is no denying this place is stunningly beautiful, a peaceful haven of lush green trees, a…read moresoothing river, butterflies and birds, it's beautiful but it literally is in the deep undergrowth and I definitely got disorientated. There seemed to be quite a few entrances dotted around which disoriented me further. There's long distances between anything of interest and I'm not even sure what I saw as it wasn't identified but it was lovely anyway. As time was ticking I couldn't see everything as I needed to find my way out and back to the road to get the bus back home which to be honest got me into a bit of a fluster thinking I might be stranded in the wilderness but thankfully I survived, twisted ankle and frazzled but I survived. My experience was good/bad and think there needs to be more signage on what's ahead and perhaps signs telling you where the road back to Edinburgh city centre.

Roslin Glen is possibly one of the most beautiful places to escape to if you're tired of the city…read more(not that Edinburgh feels much like a city at all). You can take a walk along North Esk river, visit the chapel or just hang around the greens. By greens, I mean trees and bushes and things that have leaves. My first experience with Roslin Glen was for a friend's birthday where we dressed up as characters from Peter Pan and went on treasure hunts. Yes, it was her 24th. The area's really beautiful. Really calming and possibly the closest and best place to run off to from Edinburgh. It's only a bus ride outside the city.