Adventures in Edinburgh
Ask anyone why they love living in Edinburgh and they’ll tell you it is that compelling mix of cityscape, culture, nightlife and proper nature. Edinburgh has a seaboard and it has wild hills to escape to on its doorstep. Whether it is thrill-seeking or just peace and a good view it is all within easy reach, here are our favourite ‘Adventures in Edinburgh’.
Hideout on a walk by the Water of Leith
Unlike other great cities the Water of Leith runs through Edinburgh unnoticed. It goes low while city-life goes on high above. For much of its length a leafy path occupies its banks as it meanders its way discretely from suburban Balerno via Murrayfield stadium, the New Town and Bohemia Stockbridge before filling the docks at Leith. Following the walkway from Balerno on the western edge of the city to the sea is 12 miles and would probably take all day.
Arthur’s Seat but why just sit there
Arthur’s Seat is Edinburgh’s mini-mountain in Holyrood Park and if you only had an hour to see the city you could view it all from here. Once you have carefully picked your way through its rocky ramparts and reached its summit at 250-metres the vista includes the Palace of Holyrood House, the Scottish Parliament, the castle, the Firth of Forth and the Forth bridges. Those who are particularly energetic may want to combine Arthur’s Seat with six other hill tops and take-up the Seven Hills of Edinburgh Challenge – be aware however that you are expected to run.
Love to swim in a cold climate then go to Portobello
If you are one of those people who extol the virtues of a cold-water swim then a dip in the Firth of Forth won’t disappoint. It is certainly cold and it is best to run down the sandy beach at Portobello trying not to hesitate before taking the plunge. The sand is clean and so is the water but if cold-water isn’t your thing you might prefer to visit the Victorian bath house and have a Turkish instead or why not just have a coffee and bracing walk on the promenade with all your clothes on.
Check out these local Edinburgh Wild Swimming Clubs:
CHILLY DIPPERS
Location – Portobello Beach (by the Epsy pub), three miles east of Edinburgh
Contact – Olivia Sharron
Swim Time – Various, see Instagram
Social Media – @chilly.dippers
WILD ONES EDINBURGH
Location – Various around Edinburgh, including Portobello beach
Swim Times –Various, see Facebook
Social Media – Wild Ones Edinburgh
For more information on Wild Swimming in Scotland, check out our blogs:
Wild Swimming in Scotland here
The Benefits of Wild Swimming in Scotland here
Escape artists – head for the Pentland Hills
Edinburgh can be frenetic; especially during the festival season. There is however an antidote. A short ride on the number four bus will transport you from downtown to the altogether more peaceful settings of Hillend or Flotterstone. Hillend is ideal for those who want to try some downhill turns at the ski centre while Flotterstone is for those who want to wrap themselves in the tranquillity of green hills grazed by cows and sheep on a long walk up Glencorse. For views follow one of the many well defined paths that link these shapely hills.
Very civilised Cycling and for those who insist – Mountain Biking
Edinburgh is clearly a city of culture and civility and one that is complemented by cycling. Long before places like Glasgow got the idea Edinburgh was getting around by bike so that now an extensive network of cycle paths exists. Not only can you easily explore the city itself but you can venture out and follow the coast. Go west towards Blackness Castle and visit historic Hopetoun House, Dalmeny Park and cross the original Forth road suspension bridge to Fife en route. Go east and you could find yourself in Musselburgh or the pretty coastal town of North Berwick from where you can get the train back.
Perhaps not so civilised are the mountain bikers who head into the Pentland Hills and do their best to get splattered with mud on the miles of gnarly tracks that lead over the hills and through the gaps – just watch out for the walkers and livestock.
Edinburgh Rock
Rock climbing is perhaps more weather dependent than any of the pursuits outlined so far. In Edinburgh they have got around such vagaries by putting a roof on an old quarry at Ratho so that climbing can continue regardless of such hardships as ice-cold sea fogs and rain. Inside this huge arena of rock there are more than 60 lines to challenge even the most experienced climber and boulders to fall off with impunity. You may, however, want to stick closer to the ground in the soft play area.
Address: South Platt Hill, Newbridge, EH28 8AA
Website: EICA Ratho
Adventures Outside of Edinburgh
Lots of our customers will walk the Waters of Leith, hike Arthur’s Seat, soak in the Edinburgh architecture and sample the restaurants and fine cuisine. However, time after time we hear from customers that our adventure tours from Edinburgh are the perfect addition to an adventurers visit to the Scottish capital! The Intrepidus Outdoors canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking and hill walking tours are a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh for the day and really experience the wild side of Scotland. Browse the website and get in touch if you have any other questions about adventures inside or outside of Edinburgh.
Paul Lamarra is one of Intrepidus’ experienced guides. A qualified mountain leader he has climbed, cycled and explored extensively in Scotland. He is also an award-winning writer and author of several books on Scotland. His work has also appeared in many publications throughout the world.
MY Adventure and Intrepidus Outdoors are adventure tours and outdoor experience providers, both based in Edinburgh, Scotland. We specialise in private and open canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking and hill walking tours, and deliver these adventurous experiences across Scotland. We are also a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where we run bronze, silver and gold level awards for young people.
If you are looking for additional information about adventures from Edinburgh, we have published a number of blogs:
- A guide to Wild Swimming in Scotland here
- Eight Scottish Wonders- by Paul Lamarra here
- The best head torches for adventures in the outdoors here
- High and Mighty- Bouldering in Scotland here
- Top tips for backpacking Scotland here
- 6 steps to being happy like a Scot here
- You’ll never get bored in Edinburgh here
- Best Budget Hotels and Hostels Edinburgh here
- Hen Party Adventures Edinburgh: here
- Stag Party Outdoor Adventures Edinburgh Essentials: here
- SUP, A Buying Guide: here
If you haven’t already seen it, check out the our Trip Advisor, Youtube channel and check us out on Visit Scotland.