Walking in Edinburgh

We all want to put our best foot forward, and in Edinburgh it's easy. With one dormant volcano, seven hills, clusters of cobbled streets and tantalising vistas waiting around every bend, the capital is a fabulous place for a wander.

  1. Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh

    Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

    © Kenny Lam, VisitScotland. All rights reserved.

    Distance: 2.5 km; duration: 1 - 1.5 hours as part of the Old Town walk

    Explore the medieval heart of Edinburgh. Venture up Castle Hill to see the iconic castle, its esplanade and amazing views in all directions. From the Royal Mile, make your way up over the cobbles and take in the atmosphere.

    Top tip: if you're planning to pay a visit to Edinburgh Castle, make sure to book far in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets often snap up quickly, especially during the summer months.

  2. Calton Hill Edinburgh

    Scottish National Monument.

    © Kenny Lam, VisitScotland. All rights reserved.

    Distance: 1.75km; duration: 1-1.5 hours

    Calton Hill is a local favourite and it boasts numerous landmarks on the hill including the striking national monument.

  3. Arthur's Seat Edinburgh - City Centre

    Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat

    Distance: 5.5km; duration: 1.5 hours

    No visit to Scotland's capital is complete without an attempt at scaling the imposing, iconic Arthur's Seat.

  4. Craiglockhart Hills Edinburgh

    Craiglockhart Hills, Edinburgh

    © @tim.m.angus

    Distance: 4.5 km; duration: 1.5 - 2 hours

    One of the four lesser known hills in the south of Edinburgh, there are incredible city views from the two summits of the Craiglockhart Hills which are found just to the west of the Morningside area.

  5. Braid Hills Edinburgh

    Braid Hills, Edinburgh

    © @cws214

    Distance: 4.5 km; duration: 1.5 hours

    A lovely circular route, surrounded by golf courses, the Braid Hills are perfect for a peaceful walk, with views of the city and the Pentland Hills to enjoy.

  6. Blackford Hill Edinburgh

    A couple on Blackford Hill look over the city toward Arthurs Seat.

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Distance: 4.25 km; duration: 1.5 hours

    Neighbouring the Braids, Blackford Hill is part of the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill nature reserve and is a real escape from the city, with woodland paths and forest wildlife to keep an eye out for.

  7. Corstorphine Hill Edinburgh

    A man dog walking along Corstorphine Hill

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Distance: 4.5 km; duration: 1- 1.5 hours

    To the west of the city, Corstorphine Hill is an interesting stroll with amazing views of the Firth of Forth. Check out Clermiston Tower, a memorial to Walter Scott built in 1871.

  8. The Pentland Hills Balerno

    Walking path in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, just south of Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved.

    A favourite escape for city dwellers, there are over 100 km of sign-posted routes across the Pentland Hills including Allermuir Hill and the Gladhouse Reservoir. 

  9. Dean Village and Galleries of Modern Art Stockbridge to National Galleries of Scotland

    Dean Village on the Water of Leith in Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Distance: 4.5 km/2.75 miles. 1 - 1.5 hours

    This walk from Stockbridge passes through the beautiful New Town along streets with magnificent Georgian architecture, before reaching the National Galleries of Scotland.

  10. Water of Leith Edinburgh

    Dean Village on the Water of Leith in Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Distance: 20.5 km; duration: 7-8 hours

    The chilled-out Water of Leith pathway takes you past all of the city's best bits - Murrayfield Stadium, the GMA, Stockbridge and the Shore.

  11. Edinburgh to Ratho Edinburgh Quay in Fountainbridge to The Bridge Inn, Ratho

    The Union Canal, Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Distance: 13.5 km (one way); duration: 3 hours (one way)

    Follow this traffic-free path from Edinburgh to Ratho along the Union Canal (National Cycle Route 754) starting from Edinburgh Quay in Fountainbridge. Grab some food at the Bridge Inn and head back again.

  12. Stockbridge and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Edinburgh Waverley to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    Glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Garden; Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Distance: 7.5km; duration: 2.5 - 3 hours

    This route starts at Edinburgh Waverley and explores one of Edinburgh's loveliest neighbourhoods and the glorious Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Circle around the Botanics and enjoy being surrounded by the brightly-coloured plants and exotic flowers.

  13. Craigmillar Castle & Country Park Edinburgh

    Craigmillar Castle

    Distance: 4km; duration: 1 hour

    Set in a spacious country park, Edinburgh's 'other castle' is a striking tower house dating back to the 1300s. Craigmillar Castle has played host to Mary Queen of Scots, and there is a pleasant walk through the park and around the castle, with views to Arthur's Seat for most of the way.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
  14. Lauriston Castle Edinburgh

    Lauriston Castle from the air

    Distance: 2.4 km (Lauriston Castle to Cramond); duration: 30 mins

    The grounds of Lauriston Castle are a fabulous place to visit for a lovely family afternoon out. Enjoy the pretty Edinburgh - Kyoto Friendship Garden, which opened in 2002, enjoy views to Cramond and the Firth of Forth. The castle dates to the 16th century and the grounds are also filled with lots of trees and manicured lawns. Double up with a visit to Cramond and take a walk along the iconic promenade.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  15. Hopetoun House South Queensferry

    Hopetoun House country estate near South Queensferry, Edinburgh

    Distance: 1 - 2 km; duration: 1 - 1.5 hours

    There are two walks in the grounds of this country house, just along the coast from South Queensferry. You can enjoy the Sea Walk Trail (2 km/1 hour) overlooking the Firth of Forth, or the Spring Garden Walk (1 km/ 30 mins) with lots of ornamental trees and shrubs to admire. The house is a popular venue for weddings or treat yourself to a decadent afternoon tea in the Stables Kitchen.

  16. Cramond and Cramond Island Cramond to Cramond Island

    Cramond Causeway at low tide

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Distance: 8.75 km; duration: 2 - 3 hours

    Venture out to Cramond Island, a tiny isle connected to the shoreline of Edinburgh. You can only visit at low tide, so make sure to plan and check tide times in advance. The Cramond shoreline is a stunning part of the city, with a fabulous café to stop and grab a coffee.

  17. Portobello Promenade Walk Portobello Beach

    The promenade at Portobello Beach which is just a few miles from Edinburgh city centre.

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved.

    Distance: 4.3km; duration: 1.5 hours

    The beach at Portobello has been a much-loved spot for many generations. The promenade was built in 1866, and together with a historic swimming pool, gives Porty a Victorian spa town feel. The flat, wide stretch is also a great place to go for a jog, accompanied by the sea breeze!

    You can see why Edinburgh folks love to come out here for a change of scene. Walk along the promenade and through the town to see some gorgeous Georgian houses and the impressive Town Hall on Portobello High Street. Treat yourself to a tasty lunch at Bross Bagels and a sweet treat from 12 Triangles.

  18. The Shore Walk South Queensferry to Cramond

    South Queensferry, a town to the west of Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Distance: 10.5 km; duration: 2.5 - 3 hours

    Explore the secrets of Edinburgh's coastline along the Shore Walk, which stretches from South Queensferry to Cramond. The route starts at South Queensferry's Hawes Inn in the shadow of the three bridges, before passing hidden beaches and by the incredible Barnbougle Castle.

    You'll soon reach the beautiful Dalmeny Estate, home to the Earls of Rosebery, with its golf course and seascapes for miles around. The Shore Walk can be done in small sections or in one go if you want a longer walk. 

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