There’s a lot going on in the world right now. And, the more you look around, the more it appears that it is nothing good.
With a difficult winter ahead of us all, it can be difficult to see the beauty in the world.
Living in Edinburgh, however, there is something to lift your troubled soul.
No, it’s not going to make all of your problems disappear, though we’re sure our Auld Reekie tries her best.
But, if you’re looking to clear your mind and forget about your worries for, at least, a short while, we find that a nice walk in pleasant surroundings tends to do the trick.
And, let’s face it, things are rarely as pretty as they are around this time of year.
As we’ve said many a time before, autumn truly is our favourite time of year to be in the capital. Check out our blog entry The Red And The Yellow: Autumn In Edinburgh from last year and you’ll see why we’d not want to be anywhere else.
When it comes to walking, there are so many wonderful places to explore in the city around about now.
So, if you fancy a stroll and a little time to process life’s challenges, here are 5 autumn walks in Edinburgh you simply have to try.
Princes St Gardens: If a short and sweet stroll is more your thing, then you simply can’t get any better than Princes St Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh. In the shadow of the mighty Edinburgh Castle, why not take a walk or perch on one of the many park benches and let your mind go into some much needed recharge time. It’s a great place to be all the year around, but really comes into its own right about now. Grab a hot drink and your woolly hat and enjoy the sites.
Royal Botanic Gardens: Living in the city, you’ve probably visited the Royal Botanical Gardens at some point. For anybody who loves nature, it’s an absolute must. Beautifully arranged and large enough to have a proper good stretch of the legs, it’s one of those places that you can never get bored of, no matter how many times you drop by. If you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps, this paradise will do wonders for your spirit.
Water Of Leith: Running a staggering 24 miles through the city, this one is for you serious walkers out there. No, of course, you don’t need to do the entire thing, but why not give it a go? There are many beautiful spots and points of interest across this stunning stretch, from Leith to Dean Village to the Union Canal to…Well, we wouldn’t want to spoil it for you. Just know the autumn leaves and crisp, cool air will make you feel alive again. Utterly magical.
Blackford Hill: Probably the most underappreciated and underused spots on our list, Blackford Hill could almost be called something of a secret. With knockout views over the city to the North and the Pentland Hills over your shoulder to the South, there are very few other areas around here that can match this for spectacle. If you’ve got dogs or energetic kids, this’ll most definitely help them burn off all of that youthful energy.
Pentland Hills: We couldn’t finish this list without speaking about our lovely Pentlands. If you really want to get away from it all and be utterly surrounded by the wild, untamed Scottish elements, then pack yourself a light lunch and head out for some autumn adventures. Yes, it’s a heck of a walk, but what a walk it is. Go on. Give it a go. You’ll feel a lot better for it, we promise.
Autumn is all about the natural world. The trees, the ground, the air…It’s the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. And where better to experience than our grand old town of Edinburgh.
Have you done all of the trails on our list? Where have we missed? Be sure to let us know
From everyone here at Belvoir Edinburgh, we hope you are all happy and healthy.
Take care…and get walking.
