Nature Within Reach of Edinburgh
With almost half of its area covered in green space, and over 130 parks and gardens perfect for walking scattered throughout, Edinburgh isn’t just known for its historic architecture, it’s also the greenest city in the UK. This abundance of greenery is supported by initiatives like the Edinburgh Nature Network, Scotland’s first urban Nature Network. The Network is designed to protect and enhance biodiversity across the city.
Whether you’re looking to walk through Edinburgh’s leafy paths, pause for fresh air, or seeking a quiet moment, the city and its surrounds offers countless opportunities to connect with the outdoors. And the best part? This collection of natural escapes are all within walking distance or easily reached by public transport.
So, whether you’re in search of a moment of calm or eager to explore Edinburgh’s wilder side, there’s a green space waiting for you. And if you’re unable to make it to Edinburgh, for similar walks in the capital city, take a look our urban walks in London.
Where are the best urban nature walks in Edinburgh?
Holyrood Park
Rising dramatically from the heart of Edinburgh, the rugged landscape of Holyrood Park offers a striking contrast to the city’s urban sprawl.
This ancient royal park spans over 650 acres and is dominated by Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that provides panoramic views of the city and beyond. The terrain is a haven for walkers, runners, and nature enthusiasts, with a network of trails winding through crags, glens, and lochs. Duddingston Loch and St Margaret’s Loch attract birdlife and offer peaceful spots for reflection. Salisbury Crags present a dramatic cliffside walk with sweeping vistas, and Samson’s Ribs, a striking basalt formation, hints at the volcanic past.
Holyrood Park is steeped in history, with remnants of Iron Age hill forts and Bronze Age agricultural terraces scattered across the landscape. King David I established the park as a royal hunting estate in the 12th century, and it has remained a cherished green space ever since. Its geological features date back hundreds of millions of years, shaped by volcanic activity and glacial erosion.
Today, Holyrood Park serves as a vital ecological and recreational resource, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. The adjacent Bawsinch Nature Reserve supports a rich ecosystem, where wildfowl thrive and otters have been spotted during the winter months.
For a walk through Holyrood Park and up Arthur’s Seat, take a look at this circular route that provides fantastic views of Edinburgh.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Tucked away just north of Edinburgh’s city centre, the Royal Botanic Gardens boasts over 70 acres of beautifully curated landscapes offer a tranquil escape into manicured nature.
Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for growing medicinal plants, the gardens have evolved into one of the world’s richest living collections, showcasing thousands of plant species from around the globe (13,302, or 4% of all known plant species to be precise!). The garden’s herbarium houses over 3 million specimens, and is a world-leader in botanical collections.
With such a collection of plants, the Royal Botanic Gardens offer a stunning walking opportunity in Edinburgh. Its winding paths, themed gardens, and towering trees provide a peaceful setting for walking, reflection, and panoramic views of the city skyline.
Beyond its visual appeal, the garden plays a vital role in biodiversity science and horticultural research. Every visit not only offers fresh air and a stunning natural environment, but also supports conservation efforts and global plant studies. Whether you’re exploring the alpine houses, the Chinese hillside, or the tranquil loch-side paths, the garden is perfect for those seeking serenity within Edinburgh.
The Water Of Leith
Winding its way from the Pentland Hills to the port of Leith, the Water or Leith offers one of Edinburgh’s most scenic and peaceful outdoor experiences. The river stretches over 20 miles, with a dedicated route, The Walkway, running 12.8 miles (20.6 km) from Balerno to Leith.
The river flows through a range of different habitats. From grasslands and heathlands, to wetland reservoir habitats and agricultural land and forestry, the route takes you through a changing landscape. Even in the centre of Edinburgh, the river corridor is rich in wildlife and lined with trees, offering a tranquil escape from city life. Here it passes several city parks, meadows and community gardens, until it reaches the shore at Leith.
The route takes you not only through nature, but also history as parts of the path follow old railway lines. Along these sections, you can see remnants of tunnels and bridges add a touch of industrial history to the natural surroundings.
Whether exploring a short section or walking the full length, the Water of Leith provides a unique way to experience Edinburgh’s green spaces.
Cragmillar Castle Park
Set within a quiet green space in the south of Edinburgh, Cragmillar Castle Park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.
Cradling the impressive ruins of Craigmillar Castle, the surrounding parkland features open meadows, woodlands, and walking trails that provide a peaceful escape from the city. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle is famously associated with Mary, Queen of Scots, who stayed there in the 1560s.
Ideal for casual walks and gentle strolls, the park is free to explore and offers impressive views of the castle from various vantage points. Its elevated position also offers views across Edinburgh and towards Arthur’s Seat, providing a stunning location to pause and take in the city vista.
Paths wind through native trees and grassy slopes, and the area supports a variety of wildlife. The mix of natural and historical elements makes it a rewarding destination for those seeking nature within Edinburgh’s urban setting. You can also choose to enter the castle itself for a fee, adding a deeper layer of historical exploration to their outdoor experience.
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Southwest of Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills Regional Park offers vast expanse of rolling hills and open countryside as one of the city’s most dramatic natural escapes.
Covering around 25,000 acres, Pentland Hills features over 62 miles (100 km) of waymarked paths, ranging from challenging hill walks to gentler routes suitable for families. The landscape is shaped by glens, cleughs (ravines), and reservoirs, with trails that lead to panoramic summits offering sweeping views across the Firth of Forth, the Scottish Borders, and even as far as Ben Lomond on clear days.
The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with routes that immerse you in Scotland’s rugged beauty just minutes from the urban centre. The area’s long history of farming and land use is still visible in its patchwork of fields and stone walls, adding cultural depth to its natural appeal.
Whether you’re hiking to a peak, strolling through a valley, or picnicking beside a reservoir, the Pentland Hills provide a rich and varied outdoor experience.
For a beautiful walk through the hills on the edge of Edinburgh, have a look at the circular route from Threipmuir Reservoir from our guidebook, Outstanding Walks Scotland.
Bonaly Country Park
For a specific location within the Pentland Hills, Bonaly Country Park is located at it’s northern edge close to Edinburgh. This peaceful corner of countryside offers a gentle introduction to the rugged landscapes just beyond the city.
Spread over 717 acres (making it the 45th largest park in Britain!), Bonaly Country Park, with its mix of open grassland, woodland, and reservoir views, is a popular spot for walkers seeking nature close to the city. The nearby Torduff Reservoir adds to the tranquil setting, reflecting the surrounding hills and sky, and attracting birdlife throughout the year.
The area is ideal for casual strolls, with paths that connect to wider routes across the Pentland Hills for those looking to explore further. Historically shaped by land use and quarrying, the park now serves as a quiet green space where visitors can enjoy views, wildlife, and fresh air without venturing far from urban life.
It’s a perfect starting point for discovering the broader Pentland Hills Regional Park or simply enjoying a peaceful walk in a semi-rural setting.
Roslin Glen Country Park
Nestled in a wooded valley just south of Edinburgh, Roslin Glen Country Park offers a rich natural experience shaped by centuries of history and geology.
The park contains the largest surviving stretch of ancient woodland in Midlothian, making it a vital refuge for biodiversity and a peaceful retreat for visitors. The River North Esk winds through the glen, carving out steep slopes and creating a dramatic backdrop for walking trails that meander through dense forest, past old industrial sites, and alongside the riverbank. The park’s landscape reflects its layered past, with remnants of mills and quarries hidden among the trees, now reclaimed by nature.
Today, it’s a haven for walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a quiet escape from urban life. The combination of ancient woodland, varied terrain, and historical features makes Roslin Glen a unique destination for outdoor exploration within easy reach of Edinburgh.
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Go to the shopHermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill
Set within Edinburgh’s southern boundary, the 149 acre Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve offers a mix of natural beauty and elevated views across the city.
The nature reserve combines wooded valleys, open meadows, and hilltop panoramas, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers. Blackford Hill rises prominently above the surrounding landscape, providing a rewarding walk with sweeping vistas over Edinburgh’s skyline, including Arthur’s Seat and the Firth of Forth.
The area is rich in both natural and cultural history. The Hermitage of Braid, a 18th-century mansion, sits within the wooded glen, now serving as a visitor centre. The surrounding parkland includes mature woodland, grassland habitats, and the Braid Burn, which flows through the valley.
Whether you’re climbing the hill for views or strolling through shaded paths, this reserve offers a varied and peaceful outdoor experience within easy reach of the city centre.
Cramond Beach & the River Almond Walkway
Close to Edinburgh’s coast, Cramond Beach offers a rugged and refreshing alternative to the city’s more traditional seaside spots.
The beach is known for its wild character, with sweeping views across the Firth of Forth and a tidal causeway leading to Cramond Island. Unlike the promenaded shores of Portobello Beach, Cramond invites walkers and cyclists to explore its natural terrain, with paths that follow the coastline and connect to quieter woodland trails.
Just inland from the beach, the River Almond Walkway leads from the shore through a scenic corridor of trees and riverbanks, eventually reaching the picturesque Cramond Falls. This route blends coastal and riverside landscapes, offering a peaceful escape from urban life while remaining easily accessible. The area’s layered history, from Roman settlements to wartime defences, adds depth to the experience.
Almondell and Calderwood Country Park
Set across 220 acres of scenic countryside west of Edinburgh, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park offers a rich blend of natural and historical interest.
The park is based around two adjoining estates. The Earls of Buchan once made Almondell their home, while the Lords of Torphichen held historical ties to Calderwood. Today, visitors can enjoy riverside walks, woodland trails, and picnic areas, with the elegant Nasmyth Bridge providing a picturesque crossing over the River Almond.
Calderwood’s natural woodland, located on a plateau between the Linhouse and Murieston Waters, is a haven for wildlife. You can spot roe deer, foxes, herons, and woodpeckers, while oak and hazel trees provide a habitat for squirrels and wood mice. The woodland has deep historical ties too, as for centuries, communities have harvested the woodland, using local oak in shipbuilding as early as the 1500s.
Whether you’re exploring the quiet trails, spotting wildlife, or enjoying the park’s historical features, Almondell and Calderwood offers a peaceful and varied outdoor experience within reach of Edinburgh.
Where can you find more urban nature walks in Edinburgh?
This is by no means a complete list of natural places to explore in and around Edinburgh; there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for further inspiration, consider venturing to a few lesser-known but equally rewarding green spaces such as:
- Johnston Terrace Garden Wildlife Reserve – a hidden haven for biodiversity right by Edinburgh Castle.
- Figgate Park – a peaceful spot with a pond, boardwalks, and views of Arthur’s Seat.
- Corstorphine Hill – offering woodland trails and panoramic views across the city.
- Braidburn Valley Park – a tranquil valley with meadows and a flowing burn.
- Inverleith Park – spacious and scenic, the perfect place for a relaxed stroll or picnic.
To uncover even more of what Edinburgh has to offer, take a look at our City Walks in Edinburgh guidebook. With 15 walks covering some of the most important historical locations, you can make the most of your next visit to the city.
Also take a look at our Walk Edinburgh map, covering some of the city’s many greenspaces. Our guide contains maps with suggested walking routes for the the Royal Mile as well as the Princes Street Gardens.
Do you want to go a little further than Edinburgh for a walk?
Beyond Edinburgh, Scotland has countless outdoor opportunities for those seeking their next adventure. Take a look at our suggestions for inspiration of where to go:
- Scottish castle ruins – explore scenic ruins across Scotland set within breathtaking scenery.
- Scottish lochs – find the best lochs to visit for peaceful waterside walks.
- Scottish beaches – discover some of the best beaches across Scotland.
- The North Highland Way – travel across north Scotland from John O’Groats to Durness.
- Ben Nevis Summit – unlock the secrets of the best walking routes to the top of Britain’s highest mountain.
- Waterfalls for wild swimming in Scotland – dare to try wild swimming in the Scottish countryside.
- Walks in the Cairngorms – explore some of the best walks through the Caingorms National Park.
- Walks in Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park – see what Loch Lomand & Trossachs National Park has to offer.
