Edinburgh is a city made for walking. Beyond its cobbled streets and iconic landmarks, Edinburgh offers a surprising wealth of green spaces and scenic trails where nature thrives in the heart of the city.
It astonishes me how this city effortlessly blends urban character with natural beauty. The city is home to an incredible variety of green spaces, parks, and scenic walking routes.
From the wild, windswept drama of Holyrood Park to the tranquil escape of Inverleith Park, the city is threaded with walking routes that invite you to slow down and connect with the outdoors. Including some of these in your Edinburgh itinerary is the perfect way to get off the beaten path and truly connect with the city’s unique charm.
So lace up your boots and discover just how much natural beauty Edinburgh has to offer—right on its doorstep.
12 Best Scenic Walks to Take in Edinburgh
1. Arthur’s Seat
Best for seeking dramatic views and a true hiking experience in the middle of Edinburgh.
- Difficulty – Moderately Easy
- Distance – 3 miles
- Time – 1-2 hours
- Elevation – 251 metres
- Start – Car park on Queen’s Drive next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse or Holyrood Park Road, near the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Formed from the remnants of a long-extinct volcano over 300 million years ago, Arthur’s Seat is the main peak of a group of hills in Holyrood Park.
Arthur’s Seat can be climbed from many different directions. If you want an easier climb, start from Dunsapie Loch Car Park. It will bring you to the top within 20-30 minutes.
But if you love a proper climb, we would suggest taking the steep path passing through St. Anthony’s Chapel and also including the nearby Salisbury Crags.
The sweeping panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking. Admire the sprawling view of the Old and New Town of Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills and the Firth of Forth.
Local Tips: It is always windy at the top, so bring a jacket even on a sunny day. The path gets slippery in rain or ice. So, sturdy boots or grippy trainers are a must.
2. Calton Hill
The best walk for unforgettable sunrise or sunset moments, and easy access to stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline.
- Difficulty – Easy
- Time – 10-15 minutes
- Elevation – 103 metres
- Start – The stairs on Regent Road.
Perched right at the eastern end of Princes Street, Calton Hill is a much gentler climb than Arthur’s Seat. But what it lacks in altitude, it makes up in atmosphere, history, and awe-inspiring panoramic views.
Calton Hill is one of the easiest walks in Edinburgh for everyone to capture postcard-perfect photos of the city skyline. Best of all? You can reach the summit in less than 10 minutes.
This wee hill is one of the most photographed spots in the city. We love watching sunsets from here.
There are several viewpoints scattered all over the hill. The panorama unfolds across the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh out to Fife, North Berwick and the Forth Bridges.
Calton Hill is home to several iconic structures, such as the National Monument of Scotland, Nelson Monument and Dugald Stewart Monument.
3. Royal Mile
Best for a journey through Edinburgh’s historic heart
- Difficulty – Easy
- Time – 30 minutes
- Start – Edinburgh Castle
When in Edinburgh, you can’t miss a leisurely stroll on the Royal Mile. Walking this cobbled street is like stepping back in time.
It runs through the heart of the Old Town and connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Mile is packed with fascinating history and stunning architecture.
There are various historic landmarks and museums along the street. Start your journey at the crown jewel of the city, the Edinburgh Castle. Just a few steps down, you will pass Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, the Scotch Whisky Experience and St Giles’ Cathedral.
You can step beneath the Royal Mile to explore an underground warren of hidden streets with a guided tour of the Real Mary King’s Close. Further down the way, you will come across Canongate Kirk, the Museum of Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament Building. Finish your walk to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the King in Scotland.
4. Water of Leith Walkway: Dean Village to Leith
Best family-friendly walk in Edinburgh
- Difficulty – Easy
- Distance – Around 3.5 miles
- Time – 1.5-2 hours
If you are looking to escape the bustle of the city, walking the Water of Leith Walkway is a perfect urban escape. The path is signposted and follows much of the course of the river.
Start your hike in one of Edinburgh’s most photogenic spots, Dean Village. Once a medieval milling village, it is now a peaceful residential area with cobbled streets, stone bridges, and picturesque houses.
The riverside path will briefly bring you to Stockbridge, a trendy neighbourhood filled with independent cafés, boutiques, and shops. Before continuing your walk, we would recommend a quick visit to the lovely Circus Lane.
The next stretch of the walkway is rich in greenery. Look out for herons, ducks, and even otters. Eventually, the path opens into the bustling Shore area of Leith, the perfect place to end your journey with a pint or seafood lunch.
5. Blackford Hill and Hermitage of Braid
Best walk for peaceful city escapes with panoramic views, woodland trails, and rich wildlife
- Difficulty – Easy
- Distance – 2.75 miles
- Time – 1-2 hours
- Start – Observatory Road or Braid Road
Located in the south of the city centre, Blackford Hill is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. This scenic area is a firm favourite for local walkers, runners, and nature lovers.
A short, steady climb rewards you with one of the best views in Edinburgh. From the summit, enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the Firth of Forth.
Blackford Hill is the perfect spot for a picnic or a peaceful moment above the city. You will pass the Royal Observatory, a striking landmark of Edinburgh.
Follow the trail to the nearby Blackford Pond. From there, continue your walk to the Heritage of Braid. This trail goes along the stream, Braid Burn. You will pass Hermitage House, an 18th-century mansion now used by Edinburgh’s park rangers.
6. Roslin Glen and Rosslyn Chapel
Best for a walk through nature, history, and legends.
- Difficulty – Easy
- Time – 1.5 -2 hours
- Distance – 2.75 miles
- Start – Rosslyn Chapel
If you are planning a short day trip from Edinburgh to hike and immerse in nature, this trail is perfect for you. Situated just a few miles south of Edinburgh, Roslin Glen has a rich blend of ancient woodland and diverse wildlife. Also, it is home to the legendary Rosslyn Chapel, made famous worldwide by the Da Vinci Code.
This walk begins with a tour of Rosslyn Chapel. Every inch of the interior is carved in exquisite detail – green men, angels, vines, and symbols whose meanings are still debated by historians and mystics alike.
From here, a clearly marked path leads down to the nearby Roslin Castle. Dramatically perched on a wooded gorge, the castle is mostly in ruins.
Next, follow the sign for Roslin Glen, an area rich in wildlife and history. The trail meanders past remnants of old industry – abandoned mills and stoneworks from the glen’s industrial 18th and 19th century past.
7. Stockbridge and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Best walk to enjoy nature and charm in the heart of Edinburgh.
- Difficulty – Easy
- Time – 1.5-2 hours
- Distance – 2.75 miles
- Start – Stockbridge
A day out combining a walk to the bustling Stockbridge and the Botanics is a local favourite that easily earns its place among the best walks in Edinburgh.
Stockbridge is one of the city’s most distinctive neighbourhoods. Once a separate village, it retains a slightly bohemian feel and is known for its Georgian architecture, independent shops, and vibrant Sunday market.
Following the riverside path northward, you can turn off at Arboretum Avenue and enter the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, one of the must-visit attractions in Edinburgh for nature lovers.
It stretches across an area of 70 acres, with beautifully maintained paths winding through themed gardens, glasshouses and woodland groves.
Inverleith Park sits across the road from the garden’s north entrance. This spacious public park offers a large duck pond, sports fields, and a spectacular view of Edinburgh’s skyline.
8. Scald Law
Best hike for reaching the highest peak in the Pentlands.
- Difficulty – moderate-to-strenuous
- Time – 4-5 hours
- Distance – 7.5 miles
- Start – Flotterstone car park
For those craving a true hillwalking experience close to Edinburgh, Scald Law offers a rewarding challenge. Standing at 579 metres, it is the highest peak in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, offering a satisfying climb and panoramic vistas that stretch across the Lothians and the Firth of Forth.
Just a short drive or bus ride away from the city, this hike delivers a full sense of escape into nature, making it one of the best day walks near Edinburgh.
The trail is properly waymarked and begins with a gentle ascent through farmland and rolling moor. But soon climbs steadily up the ridge toward Turnhouse Hill.
Reaching the summit of Scald Law is an invigorating moment. The cairn at the top marks the highest point in the Pentlands, and the view is unforgettable.
9. Cramond Island
Best for a tidal journey and riverside escape in Edinburgh.
- Difficulty – Easy
- Distance – 2 miles
- Time – 1-1.5 hours
- Start – Cramond Village
If you are looking for a walk that combines seaside scenery and a touch of adventure, walking to Cramond Island would be one of the most unique outdoor experiences in Edinburgh. Just a few miles away from the city centre, this island is accessible only at low tide and is linked to the mainland by a causeway.
But before venturing out, don’t forget to check the tide table. There is an information board at the shore showing the safe crossing times.
Once on the island, check out the Second World War bunkers and lookout posts. From its highest point, there are excellent views of Inchcolm Island, the Forth Bridges, and even parts of Fife on a clear day.
Tip: After returning to the mainland, you can extend your outing by exploring the River Almond Walkway, which begins nearby. We would suggest a short stroll to Cramond Falls, a charming little waterfall nestled in a woodland.
10. Union Canal: Lochrin Basin to Ratho
Best walk for a journey from city to countryside.
- Difficulty – Easy (but long)
- Time – 3 hours
- Distance – 8 miles
- Start – Lochrin Basin at Fountainbridge
If you are interested in exploring a scenic long-distance route around the city, the Union Canal section from Lochrin Basin to Ratho is perfect for you. This walk blends urban charm with rural tranquillity.
The hike begins at Lochrin Basin, tucked behind Fountainbridge. Not far along the route, you will reach Harrison Park, one of our favourite parts of this walk. In spring and summer, the park comes alive with families, picnickers, and sunbathers.
Further on, the route becomes more rural with every mile. The canal winds through quiet residential areas and pockets of woodland, passing through neighbourhoods like Slateford, Kingsknowe, and Wester Hailes.
Along the way, you will cross the impressive Slateford Aqueduct, a high stone viaduct that carries the canal over the Water of Leith. Your walk ends in the quiet canal village of Ratho. Enjoy a well-earned meal or drink at the Bridge Inn before catching a bus to the city.
11. Corstorphine Hill
Best for woodland trails and panoramic views.
- Difficulty – Easy
- Time -1 – 1.5 hours
- Distance – 2.75 miles
- Start – Clermiston Road or Queensferry Road
Tucked away in the city’s western suburbs, Corstorphine Hill is one of the seven hills in Edinburgh. This woodland walk provides a leafy escape that feels worlds away. Yet it lies just a short bus ride from the city centre and remains something of a local secret.
Corstorphine Hill is home to a designated Local Nature Reserve, with trails that weave through mature woodlands.
One of the highlights of this walk is a visit to Corstorphine Hill Tower, a striking stone monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. The tower is often open to the public on Sundays during summer. The viewpoint beside it offers excellent vistas over the Firth of Forth, the Forth Bridges and the Pentlands.
Also, Edinburgh Zoo lies on this hill. So, during your hike, you might hear exotic animals in the distance.
12. Allermuir Hill
Best walk for a panoramic escape on Edinburgh’s doorstep.
- Difficulty – Moderate
- Time – 2.5 – 3.5 hours
- Distance – 3.75 miles
- Start – Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend
Rising to 493 metres, Allermuir is part of the Pentland Hills and sits just south of Edinburgh, making it a great walking option within easy reach of the city, though it makes you feel like you are far away from civilisation.
A steep path climbs behind the ski runs, following a well-worn grassy trail that leads directly toward the summit ridge. The initial ascent is short but sharp. Once you have reached the ridge, the walk becomes more moderate.
The summit of Allermuir is marked by a trig point, and from here, you have a full 360-degree panoramic view; to the south lie the rest of the Pentland range, while to the north, Edinburgh looks like a miniature city beneath the sky. During our hike, we found Highland Coos roaming here.
Seasoned walkers can also continue the hike to Caerketton Hill or Capelaw Hill for a more extended ridge walk in the Pentlands.
We hope this guide has inspired you to hit the outdoor spaces in and around Edinburgh. This city has a way of capturing your heart, especially when you take the time to explore it on foot.
If you’re wondering where to start, my advice is simple: just put on your walking shoes and head outside – there is no better way to experience Edinburgh. Each step reveals something new, and before you know it, you will find yourself falling in love with this incredible city, just like we did.
