One of the best things to do for free in Edinburgh is to take a stroll up Calton Hill and soak in 360 degree views. This evening we took a stroll up for some exercise, but were rewarded with a lovely sunset which we captured in pictures. As ever, the photos are unedited and the following were all taken with a Panasonic Lumix compact camera. Enjoy!

The classic Edinburgh shot from Calton Hill

Tourists galore on Calton Hill

The sun setting

The Edinburgh skyline at sunset

Looking over to Fife

View west

Heading back down to Waterloo Place

Princes Street from Waterloo Place

Head down towards Mountcastle and beside the High School lies Figgate Park. The last time we visited this gorgeous green space, it was so foggy, Arthur’s Seat couldn’t be seen, but today, the sun was shining and we got views galore.

There’s some more information on Figgate Park on the council website but we found it a great place to wander around and soak in the views, look at the wildlife in the pond (with board walk) and admire the beautiful pictorial garden. You can walk your dog here, there’s picnic tables for good weather and it connects to Edinburgh’s cycle network.

Well worth a visit, but make sure to take your camera and binoculars for all the wildlife.

Figgate Park with Arthur's Seat in the background

Pictorial Garden

Baby moorhens

The excellent boardwalk

A heron on the central island

Panoramic views over North Berwick

We do love to be beside the seaside and a trip to North Berwick beckoned over the long Easter weekend.  It’s a beautiful town with several attractions and beaches worth visiting, but the purpose of this visit, was to climb to the top of Berwick Law which stands at a modest height of 187m/615ft

Blessed with good weather, we parked at ‘The Law’ car park (which is well sign posted around town) and just off the B1347. This walk can also be done from the town centre, but of course, adds to the total length. Walking Scotland gives a detailed description of this excellent 1hr long walk.

Start of climb to summit

We stuck to the main path as other routes up can be very steep and sometimes slippy.  After 10 minutes of walking this circular route to the top, we were afforded wonderful views west to Edinburgh where we could make out the shape of Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle.  There are plenty of rest stops on the way up, but after 20 minutes, we had reached the summit and started to soak in the panoramic views.

Berwick Law is a volcanic lump and the stone building at the summit was erected in 1803 as a signal station during the Napoleonic Wars.

There has been a whale’s jaw bone at the top of Berwick Law since 1709 but years of buffeting by the wind saw the jawbone become unsafe and it was removed in 2005.  A replica was winched into place by helicopter 3 years later in 2008 after being funded by ‘friends of North Berwick’.

Bass Rock can clearly be seen from the summit, as can the other Firth of Forth islands.  Look east and Tantallon Castle can be spotted and rolling farmland to the south.

We sat at the top for a good 20 minutes with our snacks and water before taking the same route back down.  Total walking time was 40 minutes (medium-fast pace) but the whole climb took longer due to photo stops.

Bass Rock and North Berwick below

The replica jawbone

Remains of St Baldred's Chapel

Boat heading out to Craigleith and North Berwick harbour area

Wonderful views of North Berwick and its beaches

We’ve been taking advantage of the lovely Spring weather recently and ventured outside Edinburgh earlier this week to take a lovely stroll around Linlithgow Loch.  The real name of this area is Linlithgow Peel, but people often refer to it as the loch and it’s also where Linlithgow Palace is situated.

Map of Linlithgow Peel

There are plenty of information boards dotted around the 2.3 mile walk and a couple of maps.  It’s really up to you where you start since the walk is circular, but the South side (Castle side) is a smoother path and more suitable for buggies and wheelchairs.

We started by Linlithgow Palace and walked anti-clockwise to avoid facing into the sunshine.  The whole circuit at a leisurely pace takes around an hour, but on beauitful sunny days, you may want to stop to take a break on one of the several benches and enjoy the magnificent views.

Looking back at St Michaels and Linlithgow Palace at the start of the walk

There were several people out walking their dogs, parents exercising with prams and cyclists even though it was a weekday morning.  A cheery ‘good morning’ goes a long way here as the chances are they’re doing a circuit walk as well and you’ll bump into them further on.

East end of the loch

Lots of swans, ducks and other wildlife

Looking at the Palace from the North side

Horses are allowed to ride on the North side, so don’t get a fright if you see some headed your way. 

There are several information boards at this side of the loch and is also perfect for spotting some of the rarer birds that visit the area.

Path on the North side

As you return to the South side, the area is busier with children feeding the ducks and you can continue straight to the Palace from the loch walk.  Admission charge applies for Linlithgow Palace.

This is an excellent walk that can be done at any time of the year.  In summer, the route is incredibly green and in winter, the loch sometimes freezes as pictured below.

View from Linlithgow Palace in winter.

There are many places to eat in and around the main street of Linlithgow but we like So Strawberry for toasties, baked potatoes and home-made cake.

Make sure you have a look at St Michaels whilst in the area and see the controversial 1964 aluminium crown which replaced the crumbling original tower.

St Michaels

Suitable for disabled?  The walk is partially suitable for wheelchairs, with a couple of steep inclines to negotiate.  There is unfortunately a gate which is not accessible on the East side and the North side is a rough path.  Best to stick to the North side close to the Palace and walk clockwise until the path roughens and then return.

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

We love Arthur’s Seat and have previously covered a walk around the extinct volcano and also when it has been covered in snow. 

Today we were taking our usual walk around the path but had the sudden urge to head for the summit once we reached Dunsapie Loch. 

The summit in the distance

There are various routes you can choose to walk up to the summit, some of which are suggested here.  The easiest way to reach the top is from this point up one of the two recognised paths on the grass, which leads to a stone path and steps closer to the top. It’s really important that you use this path as the area can be slippy, especially after rain, but also to stop further erosion of this natural beauty spot. 

The stone path to the summit

It takes about 15 minutes from Dunsapie Loch to reach the summit, longer if you stop to take photos on the way up.  On a clear sunny day, you can see across to Fife and right down the East Coast. 

At the summit

It can be very windy up at the summit and today was one of those days.  It was hard to hold the camera steady to take pictures of the wonderful views. 

Looking East

Looking North

Edinburgh Castle from the summit (zoomed in)

The weather was only a few degrees at the top, so after 5 minutes we headed back down taking care to watch our step as the rocks are uneven.  We continued on our way anti-clockwise around the path and patted ourselves on the back for choosing a fit and healthy way to start the day. 

The view as we continued around the footpath

The minute we touched back down to ground level, the skies turned blue and the sun came out (just our luck) but we’ll save going back up for another day. 

Suitable for disabled? There is a road all the way around Arthur’s Seat, but not to the summit.  There’s a separate path for walkers and joggers, so suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.  There are car parks at the top beside the Loch and lay bys that you can park in and enjoy the view.

One of our favourite walks in Edinburgh is through the Dalmeny Estate. A circular route which leads from South Queensferry through the grounds of Dalmeny House, it hugs the coast for much of the walk, providing spectacular views across the Firth of Forth and of the city to the south.

There are plenty opportunities to leave the path and visit the beautiful and clean beaches en route, before the path passes in front of Dalmeny House itself and winds its way back (via the road) to the historic town of South Queensferry.

These photos are from a recent walk on a blustery but clear winter’s day – we hope you enjoy them.

The iconic Forth Bridge

Looking west towards the Forth bridges

The beaches are a mix of sand and rocks

And are often quiet - you may well have the beach to yourself

A glimpse of the city through the trees

Edinburgh on the distant horizon

The grandeur of Dalmeny House

Returning back the way we came

Robin in the New Town - image copyright A Robson

Edinburgh Wildlife was set up by Anthony Robson and demonstrates all the wildlife that can be found in the city in photo form.  Every sighting is recorded by date and location and we were delighted to catch up with Anthony to ask him some questions about his fascinating website. 

So tell us a little about yourself
I was born in the imaginatively named Wallsend, being the end of Hadrian’s Wall just east of Newcastle, but grew up from the age of four in Aberdeenshire.  After studying law at Aberdeen University I moved to Edinburgh to work ten years ago, where I still am, holding down a day job as a (slightly reluctant) solicitor.  I’m not one to sit still, however, and as a keen cyclist (mainly as a daily commuter) found myself writing and editing the citycycling website, before also taking up photography as a major hobby that has grown over the last few years. 

What inspired you to start up the Edinburgh Wildlife website ?
A few factors conspired at once. I realised I had a lot of pictures of wildlife, not just within Edinburgh, but it was something that was becoming more and more prevalent in my photography. I’d always had an interest in wildlife, now I had a way of recording it for myself. Then one morning, on my Sunday ritual of a walk around the Figgate Park before getting the papers, I spotted a terrapin in the water. I didn’t get a shot, but going online found there wasn’t really any ‘centralised’ way to record such a thing (all terrapins in the UK are released pets, they can survive in our climate, but for some reason can’t breed). 

European brown hare: image courtesy of Phil Johnston

Every year I head to Skye with my girlfriend, and every year there are a couple of websites I check out before going, Skye Birds  and Glendale Wildlife  both record the comings and goings of wildlife on the island. So having a stack of my own pictures, wanting a way to record wildlife, and having the template of the Skye sites, I set about recreating them, with my own twist – I wanted to try and create a photographic record of everything living in the city, both for people already here, and tourists coming in who have an interest in wildlife. 

How often do you go out to spot wildlife in the city?
I have my camera with me 99% of the time, so virtually every day, whether it’s intentional or not, I’ll be spotting. At lunchtimes I like to escape the office, and I’m fortunate enough to be 5 minutes walk from the Water of Leith, a lovely stretch from Belford to Dean Village. It gets me away from the hubbub, as well as affording the opportunity to see some cracking wildlife. 

Living in Duddingston, so close to Duddingston Loch and the Figgate Park means I’m never far from a green space. But then even in my back garden I’ve seen foxes  and sparrowhawks and woodpeckers. 

Cycling to work every day just adds to the chances of seeing something interesting. The simple fact of the matter is, in Edinburgh we’re surrounded by wildlife, but sometimes you don’t start seeing it until you’re actually looking for it. And once you do everything starts leaping out – a couple of months ago I was idly staring out of the window at my desk in the West End and saw something that wasn’t quite the usual pigeon on a roof opposite, got the camera out, zoomed in, and there was a sparrowhawk  perched having a look about. 

Can anyone submit photos to your site?
Absolutely! I’m more than happy for people to email their own photos or send me links to them if they’re hosted somewhere like Flickr. I want to cover as much of the city as possible, and even if I’ve got a picture for something in an area already, an updated shot, or a better photograph, is always welcome. 

I’ve had some great shots from the general public so far, perhaps most notably from Phil Johnston who gets some simply stunning shots from the Cammo Estate  and is responsible for the kingfisher photo  and Brian Mason, who has filled a lot of the gaps. 

Where and what has been the best wildlife spot so far?
That’s a difficult question to answer. In Edinburgh I love seeing things like tufted ducks,  dippers  and moorhens , but they are fairly commonplace. It’s fabulous seeing one of the raptors like a sparrowhawk , kestrel, or buzzard  over the city, and while they are an unwelcome and destructive non-native species, seeing mink along the Water of Leith for the first time was a bit of a thrill.   

Tufted duck - Image copyright A Robson

However the best moment so far in Edinburgh was seeing a kingfisher for the first time. I didn’t manage to get a photo, but that flash of blue and orange, having wanted to see one since I was a kid and was bought a wildlife magazine with a big picture of one on the cover, was just brilliant. 

But the choices go on and on, and I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to some interesting places in the world, and seen some interesting wildlife along the way without even trying. But Scotland (and Edinburgh) can still boast some great wildlife, even if it isn’t man-eating, or as big as a bus. The trick is seeing the fun in everything, even down to a squabble amongst house sparrows on a bird feeder. 

Having said all of that though, I think my favourite photo is one of a humble hoverfly in the Botanic Gardens. Wandering through the trees he was in the air, just caught in a ray of light coming through the branches. He posed perfectly, hanging in the light, and as soon as I checked the shot, and saw the background in perfect darkness and the shining fly in the foreground, I knew I’d nailed it. 

Heron - image copyright A.Robson

What do you know exists in Edinburgh but has so far eluded you? 

Having seen kingfishers I really want to get a photo of one now, but at least I’ve seen them. Otters are an animal I’ve not had any luck with yet in the city (although I was alerted to a regular haunt in Canonmills by Darren Anderson, the late night/early morning stakeout I went on with him proved the only fruitless wait he’s had to see them). And badgers, which I know live on Corstorphine Hill. Perhaps the most difficult species to get a photo of would be the bats in the city, but I’ll be making an effort. 

Where can people get more information about Edinburgh Wildlife?
The best place to start is the website  but you can also follow the sightings on twitter.  There is also a Flickr Group which is not affiliated but I am a moderator  and of course you can email me at: anth@edinburghwildlife.com 

Thanks Anthony, now where did we put our camera and binoculars?

There are places on this stretch of the Water of Leith where it’s easy to forget you’re in a city. Not just on those parts which run next to Edinburgh’s outlying suburban ‘villages’ of Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green either: the section from Colinton to Slateford also has a wonderful countryside feel.

By the waterside

The Water of Leith walkway starts at Balerno, and – if you’re planning to walk part or all of the route – is best reached by the regular 44 Lothian bus service. From here, it runs next to the water and winds its way past fields and long-abandoned mills, through disused railway tunnels and alongside modern housing developments.

This section ends at Slateford, where the fascinating and modern Visitor Centre is placed, providing information, displays, gifts and refreshments.

Enjoyable at any time of year, the following photos were taken during early spring, when the greenery of the trees and plants provided a beautiful setting for the crystal-clear water as it flowed its way through the city towards its endpoint at Leith.

Popular with cyclists, walkers and joggers

Under the bridge

Currie Kirk

House on the Water of Leith

On the path

Weir

Bridge at Colinton

Disused railway tunnel

Weir in Craiglockhart Dell

Fishing at the weir

Inside the grotto

Water of Leith at Slateford

At the visitor centre

This short stretch of the Water of Leith is one of my favourite walks in Edinburgh.

Starting at Roseburn, near Murrayfield, the path leads you past old mills, roaring weirs and under towering bridges.

Near the start of the Roseburn section

This section ends at the historic Dean Village: here you can carry on to Stockbridge and beyond, or leave the waterside path and find yourself in the buzz of the West End.

These photographs were from an evening stroll in the spring, when the plants and trees were beginning to burst into new life; and some of the waterside wildlife was going about its business in the golden light.

A popular walking spot

A bend in the river

Reflection on the Water of Leith

Golden light on a Spring evening

Weir near Dean Village

Dean Village

Distinctive houses in Dean Village

A heron fishing at the weir

Sunset over the Water of Leith

I am so pleased that council have finally started clearing up the promenade between Gypsy Brae and Cramond after the recent storm damage, although I am perplexed as to why they swept 90% of the debris away and left 100m of it behind.

There are two clean ups organised for this weekend of the area, the first being on Saturday by Keep Scotland Tidy and the second on Sunday covering the Gypsy Brae area .

In the meantime, enjoy a few photos of a glorious walk this morning in 15 degrees.

Enjoying the sunshine

Tide was out

Be sure to check tide times if walking out to Cramond Island

Cramond Boats

Bistro is open early, but gets sun outside from late morning

Council swept up this pile of debris

Walk length: 2 miles
Gradient: Very low
Parking: Yes; although the suggested route is not circular. The start & end are well-served by public transport.
Dogs allowed: Yes
Disabled access: Some of the paths are narrow and can be muddy; discretion advised

Walk route, description and photos by Dougie Mathieson

View a full-size version of the map of the Loanhead to Bilston walk.

However, the site is a splendid example of a former industrial site returning to its natural state – although new developments have sprung up in recent years, much of the area is still covered with the spoils associated with the former mine, and has been colonised by a rich variety of wildlife.

The short walk described here is only one of several possible routes taking in the many paths and tracks in the area – a good map is a help, although most paths and junctions are well signposted. Many of the paths can be muddy, so good walking shoes or boots are recommended. Incidentally, the OS Landranger map (sheet 66) which covers this area, displays a curious lack of contours or other topographical information for the land around much of the old colliery workings – a local Area 51, perhaps?

From the bus stop in Loanhead, it is a short stroll to one of the many access points to the dismantled railway track which once formed part of the Glencorse branch of the Edinburgh, Loanhead & Roslin Railway, one of many branch lines used to transport passengers, as well as coal and other freight around the Lothians. The track leads southwest through a cutting for several hundred metres, before arriving at an open expanse of ground, formerly the site of numerous sidings for the trucks carrying coal from the colliery.

Disused railway sidings

The track then continues across the spectacular Bilston Glen Viaduct, originally built in 1892, and renovated in 1999. A metal plaque at the northern end of the viaduct details some of the history of the structure. From the middle of the viaduct, there are panoramic views both southeast towards the heart of the Lothians, and also northwest to the Pentland Hills.

Bilston Glen Viaduct

In late autumn, the mixed woodland clinging to the sides of the steep valley carrying the Bilston Burn far below provides a splendid tapestry of autumnal colours. A few hundred metres from the southern end, a path leads off to the right into Bilston Woods, and twists and turns its way along the top of a steep, tree-covered slope high above the Bilston Burn. 

A few hundred metres southwestwards through the woodland, the path veers to the right, and after crossing a small burn, a signpost is reached, with the choice of heading right, back to Loanhead via the old Bilson Glen Colliery workings and the viaduct, or left, to Bilston or Roslin.

Taking the left hand turn on this walk, head southwest along a narrow path, between gorse and bramble bushes. On a previous visit here, we spotted a fox amongst the undergrowth, which gave us a baleful look before scampering off. Follow this path until it bears round to the right, to arrive at another signpost, offering the choice of Roslin & Polton, or Bilston.

The path marked Bilston curves round to the right, and follows a straight route northwest between fields, to the A701 at the northeastern end of Bilston village. If you take this path, you will notice the distinctive shape of Dryden Tower, a 19th century Gothic folly, situated in the middle of a field to the right.

Dryden Tower

As you approach the A701, you pass close to the western end of Bilston Woods – this is/was the site of the Bilston Glen anti-bypass protest, an encampment constructed by eco-warriors to protest against the proposed destruction of part of this beautiful woodland to make way for yet another busy road carrying traffic to and from Edinburgh. I am not sure if the camp is currently in use – perhaps you will find out should you walk by here!

Treehouse

The path marked Roslin & Polton descends gently until a narrow wooden footbridge crosses one of the many small streams feeding into the Bilston Burn. A few metres from the southwestern end, another choice of routes is offered – turn left, and a narrow path wends its way southeastwards amongst bushes and shrubs, eventually rejoining the Loanhead-Roslin cycle track next to the stone memorial for the Battle of Roslin in 1302. From here, you can either return northeastwards back to Loanhead, or walk southwestwards into the historic village of Roslin, perhaps visiting Rosslyn Chapel or Roslin Castle.

If, however, the right-hand path is followed from the wooden footbridge mentioned above, this curves round the high perimeter wall of one of the many agricultural research institutes in the area, and overlooks a steep, wooded slope leading down to another of the many streams which make this area worthy of exploration.

View of the Pentlands

The path eventually joins a metalled road, which continues past yet more research institutes, before joining the B7006 Roslin to Bilston road. Turn right, enjoy the view of the Pentland Hills to the northwest, and you will soon reach Bilston, from where a variety of buses will take you back into Edinburgh.

View a full-size version of the map of the Loanhead to Bilston walk.

Walk length: 1.5 miles
Gradient: Very low
Parking: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes
Disabled access: Yes, most of the estate is on the flat with several wide paths covering the main areas

Download a map of the Cammo Estate walk (PDF, 2.8MB)
View an online map of the walk

Cammo Estate

Now a council-owned nature reserve, Cammo was once one of Edinburgh’s grandest and most private residences. This short walk uncovers some of its secrets, including the ruins of Cammo House itself, the overgrown walled garden and the striking Cammo Tower.

The walk starts at the main gate of the estate, where a 19th century lodge house now serves as a ranger and visitor centre. A grand tree-lined avenue proceeds along a shallow incline until you reach a clearing dominated by the ruins of Cammo House.

Cammo House

This was built in the 1690s for landowner John Menzies and passed through the generations into several different families, eventually falling into disrepair (and some may say disrepute) before being vacated by the last owner, a reclusive spinster who lived in the house until the 1950s. Some say she still haunts the estate grounds…

It is worth making a short detour at this point to see the mighty ash tree in the woods of the estate, probably the oldest in Edinburgh. Its trunk is twisted and gnarled, and its canopy covers a substantial area. A small clearing underneath the branches can serve as an impromptu picnic area.

Retrace your steps to the house and view the ornamental canal. 140 feet long, it is part of the estate’s 18th century landscaping by Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, and although overgrown with aquatic plants and foliage, it still impresses.

Woodland at Cammo Estate

Wooded paths lead off towards the walled garden, another feature of Clerk’s and used in the estate’s heyday as a kitchen garden. Although the wall remains, the garden has returned completely to nature, with many wild plants and flowers having taken root there.

As the wood falls away, you’ll find yourself at another ruin: the stable buildings, dating from 1811. The masonry here is unstable and signs warn against venturing within, but the building is better preserved than the main house and is a fine example of early 19th century architecture.

At the edge of the woods

From here, you cannot fail to notice Cammo Tower, a disused structure once serving as the water tower for the estate. Now home to the many birds which roost there, it dominates the field in which it stands and is viewable from nearby Craigs Road. Behind the tower, an artificial hillock sits, topped with trees. This is worth the gentle ascent for open views from its low summit.

Cammo Tower

Turning back towards the woods, another path leads back to the main house, from where you return along the tree-lined drive. On the right as you make your way back towards the gate sits the Cammo Stane, an ancient solitary standing stone, predating the rest of the estate by hundreds of years.

As you ponder its history and the faded grandeur of the estate itself, make your way back to the entrance to complete this short yet fascinating walk.

View a full-size version of the map of the Cammo Estate walk.

Roam Edinburgh offer GPS walking tours around Edinburgh.  Using modern technology, these digital guides are a first in the UK and the brainchild of  Paul Nixon.

You can have them delivered to your hotel and prices vary depending on how long you have the unit for.  I opted to pick one up from the High Street distribution point at Rabbies

Pick up point, High Street

They come in a nifty little case which you can wear over your shoulder, keeping everything safe and in place (spare pack and charger etc).  Fresh foam pads for earphones are provided.  There are some instructions, but even to a non technical expert like me, it’s pretty easy to use.  There is a help line you can call if you do have any problems.

You have 12 choices when you start up the unit of the specific tours, ‘free mode’, wet day options, monuments and food and drink etc.

Roam Edinburgh GPS

I opted for ‘free mode’ to begin with to see what it would alert me to as I walked up the High Street.  Points of interest are highlighted as you reach them and a simple tap on them with the stylus will bring up the audio and show you a picture to confirm you are at the right location.

St Giles Cathedral

I was told a little about St Giles Cathedral and could click for further information such as opening hours.  You can choose to read the text, rather than listen to audio, so perfect for people with hearing problems.

I learned about the neighbouring Mercat Cross before heading further up the High Street and down into the Grassmarket, alerting me to food suggestions such as Howies which also comes recommended by ourselves.  I do feel there could be more food options on the device, but the ones that are, the average prices and opening hours are displayed.

Mercat Cross

Castle and wild garden from Grassmarket

Looking at the other tours on offer, there are some great ones to choose from which really do take you off the beaten track.  You are encouraged to walk around and up Arthur’s Seat which is a must in Edinburgh, but often overlooked.  The bonus with this device when you head off the beaten track to other places such as the Water of Leith  and Inverleith Park (fabulous places) is that you can’t get lost as you have the GPS facility.  I found the power lasted quite a while, even on a cool winter day, but there is a back up supply and a charger to bring it back to full life over night.

There is a ‘Haunted Edinburgh’ tour which would be perfect to do at night and also one for shopping suggestions.

I would sum this device up as an interactive guidebook with the added bonus of audio and a picture of every point of interest.  Thanks to the GPS it also ensures that you can’t get lost !  It’s a new and interesting way to see the city and worth a try if a visitor to town.

Suitable for disabled ?    There are no ‘disabled’ friendly tours on this device, but should you book this device and would like some help in where is accessible, please contact us direct and we will work out a route for you

Edinburgh Spotlight loves the views that you can get from Calton Hill, especially on clear sunny days.  Thankfully the winter seems to produce more sunny days than the summer and this morning was one of them.

I approached Calton Hill from the Royal Terrace side.

Royal Terrace approach

There is a  map to show the routes you can go, but from this entrance, the only way is up.

Path up to Calton Hill

I was slightly out of breath as I got to the top, but the reviews were well worth it on such a clear (but chilly) day.  I could see all across the Firth of Forth.   You can use one of the many information boards to work out all the major sights across the skyline.

View North across the city

I didn’t have a lot of spare time today, was just fitting in a brief walk before an appointment, but couldn’t possibly leave the top without looking at the best view of them all.  I am so proud to be a native to this city that I live in.

Skyline from Calton Hill

I could see that the big wheel beside the Scott Monument being constructed – the countdown to Christmas is on.

Lots of wonderful views to be had form up here, Arthur’s Seat, the Old Town, the Athenian Acropolis and you could visit the top of Nelson’s Monument for an even better view.

Suitable for disabled? You can enter by car from the Regent Road side and if you are using a wheelchair, then this approach is possible if you have someone VERY strong to assist.  You need to come back down this way as the other exit has steps, or go via the road (but has speed bumps).

Holyrood Palace from Arthur's Seat

Take a nice sunny Autumn day, some sandwiches, a drink and head for a walk up Arthurs Seat. The roads around the area are closed to cars on a Sunday (but you can still park nearby and walk).

Take any path up Arthur’s Seat, guaranteed a good view wherever you go. If you choose to walk to the summit, there is a well trodden path which you can see from the bottom. It can be very windy at the top.

You can walk for as little or as long as you want, as the paths go all the way around, up and down, over to Salisburys Crags.  Walks suggested are here .  The views of Edinburgh are stunning on a clear day, you can see all the way across the water to Fife, good views of the castle and Holyrood Palace.

We stopped and had our lunch on the top of Salisbury Crags and took in the lovely view.  There are no toilet facilities up Arthurs Seat, or places to buy a drink (although an ice cream vendor could make a killing up there on a sunny day) so time your trip wisely.

Salisbury Crags

They say if you’re a young female and you come and wash your face here with the morning dew on the 1st of May, you will be eternally beautiful. 

Suitable for disabled? There is a road all the way around Arthur’s Seat, with a path for walkers and joggers, so suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.  There are car parks at the top beside the Loch and lay bys that you can park in and enjoy the view

Castle from Arthur's Seat

Cammo Tower

Cammo Tower is an old folly near Barnton.   To get there, take your car, or a bus to Barnton and head down Maybury Road and Cammo Gardens, till you get to Cammo Road  Follow that road as far as it goes and park your car in the car park.  There are some information boards and maps telling you what else is on the Cammo Estate.    You can clearly see Cammo Tower from Maybury Road if you are heading West out of town via Barnton.

SUITABLE FOR DISABLED ?     Unfortunately not, as you have to cross a field to get to the tower and the ground is uneven

Here is the sunset I took at Silverknowes tonight.  My nieces were in paddling, people were windsurfing and a guy was swimming with his dog !  I know it was a lovely day, but was it really that warm ?

I’ll let the pics speak………..they are totally unedited as always.

Just want to say a HUGE well done to all those that took part in last nights’ Moonwalk either as a walker or a volunteer.

I was driving a recovery vehicle and had a few women to pick up along the route, but all due to injury rather than them giving up.

The Castle and other buildings around town were lit up pink last night.

I managed to take a few pictures as I was helping out and you can start looking at them HERE and all my Edinburgh photos are HERE

Missed out this year ?  Why don’t you do the walk or volunteer for next year – all details at http://www.walkthewalk.org/Home