Very clean on the edge of The Meadows. There are swings, slide, and climbing structure. Lots of…read moreparents and young children. Did not see any snack counters.

Ok, so I'm obviously not a five-year old child anymore. (I can type and spell and use words like…read moreincongruous, though I haven't had the opportunity yet). But I like play parks. There comes a point when people stop making fun things for you. I mean, I'm in my early 20s, so people give me clothes and books instead of water-guns. Which is totally valid. But I think every now and then people should give their friends bouncy balls and hoola-hoops and frisbees. Seriously. So, this playpark is not half as cool as the one on the Meadows, but it's in a quieter less crowded part of the park. They have slides and monkey bars and all sort of fun things. I've many a time seen children having fun on them. (I've also seen older teenagers having fun on them. At night. With beer). If you feel like you're tired of being 20, maybe have a visit. If you're a parent, then take your children there, 'cause that's where it looks like the party is.

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!

I'm pretty much in love with how much green space this city boasts. They should put that front and…read morecentre on the tourism boards: Edinburgh: walk two blocks and find a park... like, actually. (apparently, the tourism board should also sound like a 14 year old girl...) I'm not going to beat around the bush here (heh), I walked 15 minutes out of my way to go to this park. Sure, I was headed in the general direction but this gal can't pass up a good FTR (First To Review), and so park trekking it was. And as parks go, this one is pretty spiffy. Maybe not walk 15 minutes out of your way spiffy, but it's clean, the play space is bright, spacious and apparently "not for adults" and they've got a nice little set of picnic benches for when it isn't crazy cold/windy/raining (i'm told this magical moment happens in June). Not a destination park in any sense, i'm sure it would be a lovely find if I lived in the neighbourhood and a great spot to take the little ones!

Great park... Always busy. Great to meet up with friends with the kids. It would be good if the…read morecouncil could add more things for the kids to play on. Lots of space that could be used. Feel very lucky to have it on my door step!

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

The Cammo Estate…read more I've met very few people that are aware of the odd tale of Edinburgh's Cammo Estate. Cammo House existed for hundreds of years until its almost complete destruction in 1975. (Further details of this story of a multi million pound fortune abandoned to nature by an eccentric recluse can be found in the National Library of Scotland on George the Fourth Bridge) Creative writers and filmmakers out there will be inspired by Cammo. It requires imagination, because fragments are all that remain of a formerly glamorous country mansion. Aside from all the history though, you can simply enjoy a walk in the fresh air. There are some lovely trees (including Edinburgh's oldest Ash Tree) and everywhere you go you'll discover intriguing features, such as the former horse stables, a walled garden and a water tower built in the style of a folly. Getting to Cammo is fairly straightforward; Take a bus from the West End of Princess Street along Queensferry Road. Get off at Barnton Junction, carry along Queensferry Road and turn left into Cammo Road. The road leads to a path that takes you into the estate. Cammo House was built by John Menzies in 1693. Each subsequent owner made additions, such as the re-designed grounds and the water canal outside the remains of the house (possibly designed by Robert Adams) Cammo is now almost completely reclaimed by nature. An organisation called the Friends of Cammo would like to see the estate restored to its former glory, architects and city planners are still debating its future..

My friend is lucky enough to live on Cammo Estate, and tonight she took me for a walk around the…read moreenchanting forest. I must say that I spend many hours happily within areas such like these, but am totally left in awe at the peaceful solitude that this wonderful area has to offer. I found the area had such a vast, almost endless variety of trees and abundant diversity of plants and animal life. I shall for one be making this a regular "Must" in my weekly list of needs. I almost don't want to mention this hidden gem to anyone, and keep the secret of this deeply spiritual and energetic corner of The Universe to myself. Wonderfully inspiring

A haven for wildlife and adventurers alike this is a fabulous park (in the natural sense not the…read morekick-about sense) full of endless examples of natural Scotland. Not too far from King's Buildings it offers a wonderful retreat where you can forget about everything else and just relax. In one area of the park you have the Braid Burn a stream that gently cascades through the park with endless different locations to stop and take it in as it continues down its course. Head further out from Edinburgh and you leave the wooded region and head up into a slightly more barren hilly area, tainted only by a golf course sat in the smaller areas of slightly flatter land that have not been consumed by these hillsides. It is well worth following the Braid Burn for as much of its course as you can. On the first half of its travels it is penned in by steep wooded hillsides towering over you before it breaks out to be flanked by small grassy meadows and smaller vegetated hillsides. A great walk in some great countryside.

When I walk home from work, I walk through here. HOW COOL IS THAT??…read more The Hermitage of Braid is a gorgeous path in the valley below the Braid Hills. The first part follows a stream through a beautiful wooded area and passes by the stunning Hermitage building. The second part emerges from the trees and continues to follow the stream. It's a wonderful walk at the best of times, but especially on a sunny day when you are headed home from work for a nice beer out in the back garden. Heaven.

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.

I count myself quite lucky to live just a hop-skip away from Harrison Park. In the year since I…read moremoved to Edinburgh, I've been fortunate enough to see the changing of the seasons take place in this lovely green space. From spotting nearby hills crested with snow, to the early spring buds and blossoms on the trees along the canal, to the numerous barbecues and people luxuriating in the summer sun. It's autumn once more, and the yellowing trees are truly a sight to see on a brisk autumn day. Harrison Park may not be huge like the Meadows, but it makes up for it by being connected directly onto the Union Canal, where you can walk, cycle, or run your heart out along the water. There's two different sections, West and East, one of which is normally full of sportsy folks doing their thing, and the other full of children on the playground and the prettiest dogs you ever did see stretching their legs on the green. It's well-paved and well-manicured, and just has a bit more of that community feeling to it than the bustling Meadows does. If you find yourself in the area on a nice day, Harrison Park is definitely worth a wander!

I live close to Harrison Park and I usually find myself wandering over here when the sun comes out…read moreas I have no back garden. It It's a pretty community area, in the middle of a residential area, just off the canal but is quiet and peaceful and well maintained. It is a huge space - not on the same scale as The Meadows. This is probably why I like it as I find The Meadows huge but also pretty crowded on sunny days when I just want to sprawl out and have my own space. There are two large sections, separated by a path and some tree's and a kids play park. The pack is used by runners, mum's with kids, sunbathers and dog walkers and it is easy enough to find your own little space with no one overlapping. Tree's around the side of the park provide shade on sunny days, but lots of open sunny spots. Margiotta's is just along the road and perfect for picking up supplies on sunny days. So Harrison Park, I salute you as my 'outdoor office' and saviour on sunny days :-)

Just outside of Morningside sits Braidburn Valley Park. Here the Braid Burn flows through this…read morepeaceful park, backed by the spectacular hills behind. This spot is very popular among dog walkers, but other than that it is always a very quiet place to go. Through the middle flows the Braid Burn, flanked by grassy valley sides themselves lined with a row of houses and trees. It really is a great place to walk through or sit at, especially with the hills in the distance to look at and forming such a great backdrop.

In amongst Edinburgh's generous collection of parks in gardens lies the Braidburn Valley Park. A…read moretranquil little area that is popular with dog walkers and people who are just out for a little wander. Running the length of the Braidburn Park is the Braid Burn, which, roughly translated from Dog is "bath" or "YAY WATER!!" which is good fun to watch. Especially the pups. Coming over here on a good (or at least moderately clear) day allows you to sit on one of the hills and just take a minute to look at the Pentland hills, looming in the distance. Considering this park is so close to the Pentlands, I wouldn't suggest sitting here when it isn't very warm as the path of the park is like a wind tunnel. Get a day with no wind or only a slight breeze and a load of sun then you have got yourself a lovely little park you can spend an hour or two wandering around.

I can't believe there are places like the Colinton Dell inside a city. I'm still shocked just now…read morethinking about how lovely everything was. A great place to come for a big walk on a Sunday. We started at Colinton and ended almost at Slateford then took the return path back again. Every so often you come across a little clearing to sit down or take a few photos. Lots of dogs running about and birds singing. One of the few places in Edinburgh where you could get lost and not be too frightened about it. If you're in the area or even if you aren't and fancy a big walk, start here and remember to take your camera.

This is boooom in Edinburgh? Helll Yeah! You wouldn't of guess it either…read more What a gem! It's a great photography site as i took members of a photography group to the visitor center and then back along the old railway walk to the dell. it's approx 4 miles to the visitor centre and back in total. Lots of lushness and focal points. You may be lucky if you are quiet spot a heron or a kingfisher. there are lots of dogs and walkers with the frequent jogger and the union canal has bikes coming along in both directions so keep your ear alert!