Countryside Walks in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the UK's most compact city, making it easy to get around on foot - it also means that the spectacular scenery of the Lothian countryside is close at hand.

Take a break from the city and head out of town for a relaxed walk. It's easy to reach the surrounding countryside using local bus services - in well under an hour you can be exploring the woodlands of Cramond or taking in the stunning views of the city from the Pentland Hills near Hillend.

To help you plan your route, maps and guidebooks are available from the Tourist Information Centre (above Waverley Station), and they can also offer advice on the best walk for you based on what you want to see and do.

Arthur's Seat - The best view of the city can be gained from the 251 metres (823 ft) high summit of this extinct volcano. The easiest path to the summit starts from St Margaret's Loch.

Water of Leith Walkway - Extends all the way from Balerno to Leith (19km, 12 miles). The most popular stretch is between Roseburn and Canonmills; a route that takes you through the picturesque Dean Village. The Water of Leith Visitor Centre provides helpful information.

Cramond - A fishing village on the outskirts of Edinburgh, once the site of a Roman fort. A walk beside the River Almond, headed inland, will lead you to the Cramond Brig, which dates from 1616.

Pentlands - Range of hills immediately to the south of Edinburgh. A selection of fine walks centred around the hamlet of Flotterstone and the reservoirs of Torduff, Bonaly and Glencorse.

Rosslyn Glen - A woodland walk taking you to Rosslyn Chapel containing over 100 'Green Man' carvings; the ambiguous pagan figure who alternately represented good and evil.

Traprain Law - The site of a prehistoric hill fort near the village of East Linton in East Lothian. In 1919 a horde of 4th century silver plate was discovered here.

North Berwick Law - From the attractive seaside town of North Berwick, you can walk to Berwick Law (187m, 613 ft), which commands an unrivalled view over the farmlands and seascapes below.

Linlithgow - A walk by the banks of Linlithgow Loch followed by an undemanding walk beside the Union Canal takes you out of the historic town of Linlithgow. The Canal eventually intersects the River Avon. If you follow the course of the river it takes you back towards the town.

Almondell Country Park - Formerly the estate of renowned Lord Advocate of Scotland, Henry Erskine. Tranquil woodland walks on the banks of the River Almond.

For more information about walks in Edinburgh & Lothians and the rest of Scotland, please click here.