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...

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 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!

I pass this area a lot and we often end up here as the meeting point before heading to our final…read moredestination. This is quite a large place where you can buy souvenirs from their shop from clothing to bottles of whisky at £1200 a pop. We often call in sometimes with 20 - 30 people in our group and have coffee and breakfast rolls to go, and as paying customers who have made purchases you would think that you would be able to use the facilities, well not really, I've encountered what could be certain members of staff bitching at customers for using the toilets after the elderly cleaner had only just moped them.

Was on a day tour of the Highlands a few weeks a go while in-country and we stopped here for dinner…read moreon way home. I had a Club Sandwich and some coffee. The sandwich was surprisingly very good and not a bad price. I did have a bottle of sparkling water which felt was a bot over priced. In all a good experience and nice little gift shop. Not five stars but good three. Would stop here again.

This shop is found in the main building of the university. I went there recently after I'd visited…read moreone of the museums and bought some beautiful gifts. It's not a large shop by any means but is well stocked and there are lovely things to be found in all price ranges, from Official University of Glasgow pens and stationery to their quality, crested, clothing; to books, jewellery, soap, candles and beautiful greetings cards. The staff were very helpful and friendly. I accidentally knocked something off a shelf (fortunately it didn't break) but the nearby assistant couldn't have been nicer about it. There's an on-line shop too see the website above.

The "Visitor Centre" at the University of Glasgow is really more of a gift shop. It's a good gift…read moreshop and the people who work in it are certainly able to give you some general information if you need it, but calling it a Visitor Centre is a bit of a stretch. I suspect there used to be more here but now so much information is available online that all you're likely to need as a visitor is directions or a branded mug. Still, it's worth a visit. There's plenty to find here in the way of souvenirs, both with University of Glasgow branding and without. You can find mugs, pens, tshirts and hoodies, as well as cute little graduation teddybears and scarves with faculty colours. There are art prints and postcards too. A lot of it is aimed at proud parents attending graduations so this is also the place where you can buy frames that actually fit the degree certificates as well as graduation videos. If you're attending one of the guided tours for the university your tour ticket will get you a 10% discount. Current staff and students can also get a 10% discount by placing their orders online.

Palacerigg Country Park is a lovely place to bring young people! I work with children and have…read morebrought some of them there occasionally! Invarioubly they ask to visit this park again! You take the cut off for Cumbernauld when you are heading out of Airdrie on the Stirling Road. Turn right and then first left down through the little hamlet of Luggiebank (I just love that name!). At 1st roundabout turn right and then right again at the second roundabout where you will see the sign for Palacerigg Country Park (right turn just about 100yds from r.a.). It is not very large but is a pretty setting with lots of lovely trees and foliage and this is home to some georgious animals and birds. Two beautiful black swans with red bills sail about serenely in the little lake. You will see pigs (one giant one), goats proudly showing off enviable (if you're a man that is!) goatees, rabbits, hares, ferrets, peacocks, peahens, Zebedee a sacred Asian cow and Eddie the donkey who sadly has a condition that makes him a bit wobbly on his legs! There are any number of lovely animals who look genuinely happy to be there! I have a bit of a thing about animals being kept in captivity but these little creatures do look at home unlike magnificent cheetas, lions, pumas, elephant, giraffes and others of the mighty animal kingdom who appear to be miserable (understandably) and stagnating in badly run zoos and so called safari parks. There is no charge to enjoy this contact with nature, which is not far from the city of Glasgow. Parking is free with sufficient space and the little park hosts a cafe and toilet facilities, of course. A lovely place, particularly for young children or just to have a bit of space in a pleasant little haven for yourself.

This is the best place to go at Easter as it is full of baby chicks and other animals that you can…read moreget up close to. The kids will love being able to actually interact with the animals rather than just looking at them via a cage, and it will defo bring out the big kid in you

For me, this wasn't a great experience and unless you drive it's pretty difficult to reach and a…read morehard walk but with lovely views of corn fields, rolling hills in the distance and woodlands. There are clear signposts which led me to the visitor centre and a cafe and probably more points of interests but by the time I got there and the time it would take to get back to any public transport in Linlithgow, I didn't have time to go any further which is disappointing and unless it was easier to get to by public transport, it's unlikely I'd return.

The best dog walking! Lots of options from gentle to hilly to paved to off the beaten path. Big…read morereservoir is great for a short loop. If you walk right up to the top park boundary it is much quieter. Also great for families as they have a play park and visitors center with a cafe.

Does anyone know why this tourist office is marked as permanently closed?! Has it moved or is there…read moreno longer any tourist info place in St. Andrews? Help appreciated as we're due to visit next week!

A very quaint and cute little place, but also very effective! Whether it is maps you are looking…read morefor, some souvenirs, or help with finding a room, the very friendly staff will be sure to help you out. A very compact little shop with lots to discover - make sure you give it a look when you are in St Andrews!