Edinburgh is famously said to be built upon seven hills. So it’s no surprise that there are many walks in Edinburgh that are worth a visit. Whether you just need a short walk to get out in the fresh air or are planning a longer expedition, there are plenty of walks around Edinburgh to suit your taste. It’s worth mentioning that the council have developed the Paths for Everyone scheme, which you should check out to get advice on using walking routes in Edinburgh safely and respectfully.
Updated September 2026
Edinburgh Walks at a Glance
| Walk | Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water of Leith Walkway | 12 mi / 19 km (full) | 5–6 hrs (full) | Easy | West to North |
| Union Canal Towpath | 32 mi / 52 km (full) | 6 hrs to Linlithgow | Easy | Fountainbridge |
| Arthur’s Seat | 2.4 mi / 3.9 km loop | 1–2 hrs | Moderate | Holyrood, EH8 |
| Calton Hill | 1 mi / 1.6 km | 30–45 min | Easy | City Centre, EH7 |
| Blackford Hill | 1.5 mi / 2.4 km | 45–60 min | Moderate | South, EH9 |
| Braid Hills | 2 mi / 3.2 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Moderate | South, EH10 |
| Pentland Hills | 2–8 mi | 1–4 hrs | Easy–Strenuous | South-west, EH14 |
| Bonaly Country Park | 5 mi / 8 km loop | 2–2.5 hrs | Easy | Pentlands, EH14 |
| Inverleith Park | 1.2 mi / 2 km | 30–45 min | Easy | North, EH4 |
| Royal Botanic Gardens | 1 mi / 1.6 km | 30–60 min | Easy | North, EH3 |
| Royal Mile | 1 mi / 1.6 km | 30–60 min | Easy | Old Town, EH1 |
| Dean Village | 0.8 mi / 1.3 km | 20–30 min | Easy | West End, EH4 |
| Cramond | 1.5 mi / 2.4 km | 45–60 min | Easy | North-west, EH4 |
| Silverknowes Beach | 3 mi / 4.8 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Easy | North-west, EH4 |
| South Queensferry | 2–15.5 mi | 1–7 hrs | Easy–Moderate | West, EH30 |
| North Queensferry | 1.5 mi / 2.4 km | 45–60 min | Moderate | Fife, KY11 |
| Cammo Estate | 1.5 mi / 2.4 km | 45–60 min | Easy | West, EH4 |
| Corstorphine Hill | 1.2 mi / 2 km | 30–45 min | Easy | West, EH12 |
| Portobello Beach | 2 mi / 3.2 km | 45–60 min | Easy | East, EH15 |
| John Muir Way (city section) | 15.5 mi / 25 km | 6.5–7.5 hrs | Moderate | South Queensferry to City |
The Water of Leith Walkway Edinburgh
Described as ‘a silver thread in a ribbon of green,’ the Water of Leith spans 12 miles (19 km) from Balerno in the West, through the heart of the City to Leith Docks in the North. The full walkway takes 5–6 hours at a steady pace, though most visitors walk shorter sections of 1–4 miles.
The Walkway will take you past many of Edinburgh’s sights, including Murrayfield Stadium, Dean Village, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Stockbridge, and the Botanic Gardens.
If you like architecture, you may like the walking tour with our foot tour guide.
We recommend walking the Roseburn to Stockbridge Edinburgh river walk, which is around 2 miles (3 kilometres) and will take around 45 minutes.
This route will take you past the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art and through the picturesque Dean Village, which are both prime opportunities for Instagram snaps!
Once you’ve stopped off for a bite to eat, a coffee and a look around the Stockbridge Market, you could continue to walk to Leith (a further 3.5 miles/6 kilometres).
Another attraction along the walkway is the Water of Leith Visitor Centre in Slateford, where you can learn about the river’s history and have a coffee. There are also educational exhibits for children – so it’s great for a break for families on an outing.
→ Read next | The Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh
The Union Canal
The Union Canal consists of 32 miles (52 kilometres) of waterways and footpaths, running from Fountainbridge in Edinburgh through the historical royal borough of Linlithgow to the Falkirk Wheel.
Along the foot and cycle route, you can visit the grand and majestic Linlithgow Palace and loch.
The walk to Linlithgow takes around 6 hours, the cycle takes about 2 hours, and you can catch a First Bus back to Edinburgh’s centre.
Download the Union Canal Unlocked app to discover the story of the canal.
Arthur’s Seat Walks Edinburgh
One of the most prominent features of Edinburgh’s skyline, Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano rising 251 metres (822 ft), is perfect for hiking in Edinburgh. The summit loop is roughly 2.4 miles (3.9 km) and takes 1–2 hours. The hill is free, open 24 hours, with no ticket required.
It is located in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland, close to the Scottish Parliament, Dynamic Earth and Holyrood Palace.
The summit of the hill is 251m above sea level and offers incredible views of the City, the Forth and Fife.
Salsbury Crags run along Arthur’s Seat.
Watching the sunrise or sunset is spectacular and is a must-do for any student studying in the city.
The climb is popular with families and dog walkers.
There are a number of different routes to the top, each of which is clearly signposted.
The most direct and straightforward is the climb from Dunsapie Loch in the East.
For those who fancy more of a challenge, the Walk from St Margaret’s Loch in the North or Holyrood Palace in the West is the way to go.
Ample (paid-for) parking is available, and Holyrood Park is well-served by Lothian Buses.
Finished your walk?
Next stop: Scottish Parliament – one of Edinburgh’s best free things to do.
Calton Hill Edinburgh
Standing just 103 metres tall, Calton Hill is the easiest of Edinburgh’s seven hills to climb and rewards a near-effortless ascent with the canonical Edinburgh skyline view — Castle to the west, Arthur’s Seat to the south, the Firth of Forth glinting north. The summit’s cluster of neoclassical monuments has earned it the nickname “Edinburgh’s Acropolis.”
The most direct route is via the stone steps from Regent Road (roughly 100 steps, 5–10 minutes). For a gentler option, the Hume Walk is a wide tarmacked path that climbs gradually in 10–15 minutes — suitable for buggies and those with mobility issues. From central Princes Street, allow 15–20 minutes including the approach. The hill is free to access, open year-round, and just a quarter-hour walk from the city centre. Key sights at the top include the National Monument (modelled on the Parthenon), the Dugald Stewart Monument, and the Old Royal High School.
Blackford Hill
Located in the South of Edinburgh, close to the university’s King’s Buildings campus, Blackford Hill is home to the Royal Observatory of Edinburgh.
Locals looking for Edinburgh dog walks won’t be disappointed. Similarly, those looking for forest walks near Edinburgh will be delighted by Blackford Hill. It offers varied terrain from grass to wooded areas and is not far from the City Centre.
The views of Edinburgh from the summit are beautiful. Watching Edinburgh’s winding streets stretch out from beneath you as you look North is rather magical.
The Observatory is not open to the general public, but you can book into one of its events on its website.
The Braid Hills, Edinburgh
The Braids are located in the South and are perfect for those seeking hill walks near Edinburgh. A little out of the centre but still easily accessible by car and bus, they are an oasis of calm not too far from the hustle and bustle.
Well known for its golf course – the hills are also popular with walkers and families.
Pentlands Edinburgh Walks
The Pentland Hills Regional Park, located just 6 miles south-west of the city centre (EH14), boasts 100 kilometres of marked path walks across varied terrain. There are walks for all ability levels:
Harlaw Woodland Walk (2 miles/3 kilometres) – easy (includes a biodiversity trail which is perfect for kids). This route offers incredible views of the Harlaw Reservoir. Start at Flotterstone Information Point.
Glencorse View (3 miles/5 kilometres) – moderate (includes a mystery trail for kids). You might be lucky enough to get to see a heron fishing on your walk! Start at Harlaw House Visitor Centre.
Capital View (3 kilometres/4 miles) – strenuous. Magnificent views of Edinburgh and the Forth. Start at Hillend Country Park’s lower car park.
Torduff Water (2 miles/3 kilometres) – moderate. Views of Moorland and Edinburgh. Start at Bonaly Country Park car park.
Read next: Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh With Kids.
Bonaly Country Park
Located a few miles south of the city centre in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, Bonaly Country Park offers a scenic 5-mile (8 km) loop trail that takes around 2–2.5 hours to complete. The route passes Torduff Reservoir and Clubbiedean Reservoir, with nice trails through woodland and open hillside. The park is rated easy overall and is popular with walkers, trail runners and mountain bikers. There’s a car park at the main entrance on Bonaly Road (EH14 2PX), or you can catch the Lothian Bus 4 to the foot of the hills. Bonaly is also a gateway to longer Pentland routes — the Glencorse Reservoir walk (3 miles) and the Capital View trail (4 miles) both start nearby.
Inverleith Park
Inverleith Park is popular for dog walks in Edinburgh and those looking for a casual stroll.
The public park is perfect for sunbathing, picnics and family days out.
Inverleith Park is adjacent to the Royal Botanical Gardens in the North of the City.
There’s a large pond that offers a scenic walk, and the Sundial Garden is well worth checking out.
Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens (known locally as ‘the Botanics’) are located north of the capital next to Inverleith Park.
Just one mile from the city centre, you almost wouldn’t believe that these seventy acres of beautiful landscaped gardens exist.
Visitors are spoiled with 100,000 plants across the estate.
There are ten glasshouses which are home 3,000 exotic plants from around the World.
Best of all, entry to the gardens is free. Entry to the glasshouses is charged but is free for children. Visit their website for opening times and entry costs.
The Botanics is just one of many great cheap things to do in Edinburgh.
Check out our guide for many more.
The Royal Mile
The Edinburgh Mile Walk descends from the Castle to the Royal Palace of Holyrood House.
Along the Royal Mile, you’ll find bustling shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
This is a great place to walk during the day, especially during the festival, when the street is packed with performers entertaining crowds.
This is also a perfect place to visit at night owing to its quirky pubs and restaurants. Find out more things to do at night in Edinburgh.
When you walk past, rub Hume’s toe for good luck! History buffs can also visit St Gile’s Cathedral and see a statue of Adam Smith.
Dean Village Edinburgh Walk
The Dean Village must be one of the most Instagrammable places in the city for its quaint, colourful houses and winding architecture are beautiful.
It’s hard to believe it’s right next to the City Centre!
Walking through Dean Village will bring you to the National Gallery of Modern Art.
Cramond
Located in the North-West, Cramond is a quiet village in Edinburgh.
The Almond River is surely one of the best walks in the City – quiet and calm, with boats bobbing up and down in the water.
You’ll also find little cafes that you can stop into for a coffee and cake.
Cramond Beach is perfect for dog walks in Edinburgh and is one of our featured best beaches in the city.
Those who fancy a little more adventure can venture out to Cramond Island when the tide is low, revealing a causeway.
The crossing takes about 15 minutes each way along the 1 km concrete causeway. Don’t get stuck — the causeway floods rapidly on the incoming tide. Always check safe crossing times on the notice board at the esplanade or text CRAMOND to 81400. The RNLI recommends crossing only during the 2 hours either side of low water. The Queensferry Lifeboat posts safe times on its website.
Silverknowes Beach
Silverknowes is great for those seeking Edinburgh beach walks.
It’s located in the North West, between Leith and South Queensferry.
It’s possible to walk the entire 3 miles of the beach all the way to Cramond village.
There’s also a beach cafe where you can stop off for a cake and a coffee.
South Queensferry
Looking for coastal walks near Edinburgh? Look no further! South Queensferry is an excellent place to join the John Muir Way, Scotland’s 134-mile coast-to-coast trail. The South Queensferry to Edinburgh section covers 15.5 miles (25 km) in roughly 6.5–7.5 hours, passing through the Dalmeny Estate before reaching the city.
Start in the village of South Queensferry with a scone and a cup of tea, then either make your way East toward the City Centre or West toward Linlithgow.
Both routes offer dramatic views of the three Forth Bridges: the Road Bridge, the Forth Bridge, and the Queensferry Crossing.
Read about affordable day trips with nice walks in our trips by public bus guide.
North Queensferry
North Queensferry (over the water from South Queensferry) is also an excellent place to start your walk.
You can cross the impressive road bridge with a dedicated foot and cycle lane.
Cammo Estate
The Cammo Estate, in the West of the City, is a nice walk in Edinburgh, popular with walkers, cyclists and dog owners.
The estate’s main house is now in ruins. You can visit the walled garden and ornate stable block.
It is said that Robert Louis Stevenson used Cammo to inspire the House of Shaws in Kidnapped.
Along your walk, you’ll also come across the defunct Cammo water tower.
Behind, there is a hill from which you can enjoy views of Corstorphine Hill and the Pentland Hills.
Read next: Brilliant Books Set in Edinburgh.
Corstorphine Hill
Located in the quiet suburb of Corstorphine, Corstorphine Hill is a wooded walk popular with dog walkers and fresh-air-seekers.
For those whose interest takes them to the quirkier sights, there is an abandoned air raid shelter at the foot of the hill.
Corstorphine Hill is located next to the Leonardo Edinburgh Murrayfield Hotel, so it is a great place to go for a walk if you are staying in the area.
Portobello Beach
Just a few miles northeast of the City Centre lies Portobello Beach.
An award-winning beach, it’s perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
There are loads of restaurants and cafes along the promenade. There’s almost always an ice cream van, too!
Check out the traditional Turkish Bath at the Victorian Portobello Swim Centre.
Practical Walking Tips for Edinburgh
- Footwear: Waterproof boots or sturdy trainers are essential. Edinburgh’s paths can be muddy, especially on hills and canal towpaths after rain.
- Weather: Carry a rain layer year-round. Edinburgh averages 150+ rain days annually. Summer (June–August) offers the longest daylight — up to 17+ hours.
- Tide safety: If walking to Cramond Island, always check safe crossing times on the notice board at the causeway or text CRAMOND to 81400. The causeway floods rapidly on the incoming tide and people get stranded every year.
- Leave No Trace: Take litter home. The Pentland Hills and Holyrood Park are managed nature reserves — respect wildlife and stick to marked paths.
- Dogs: Most walks listed are dog-friendly. Keep dogs on leads near livestock in the Pentlands and during ground-nesting bird season (April–July) in Holyrood Park.
- Free walks: Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Inverleith Park, and the Royal Mile are all completely free. Holyrood Park is open 24 hours with no gate or ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best walk in Edinburgh for beginners?
Calton Hill is the best beginner walk in Edinburgh. It’s only 103 metres tall, takes 10–15 minutes to climb from Princes Street, and has a gentle tarmacked route (the Hume Walk) suitable for all fitness levels. The Royal Mile, Dean Village, and Inverleith Park are also flat, easy options.
Which Edinburgh walks are dog-friendly?
Almost all walks in this guide are dog-friendly. The most popular dog walks include Blackford Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Cramond Beach, Inverleith Park, and Portobello Beach. Keep dogs on leads near livestock in the Pentland Hills and during bird nesting season (April–July) in Holyrood Park.
How long does it take to walk up Arthur’s Seat?
From the Palace end of Holyrood Park, allow 45–60 minutes to reach the summit. From Dunsapie Loch on the east side, it takes just 20–30 minutes. Allow around 2 hours for the full round trip. The summit is 251 metres (822 ft) and the last section involves some hands-on rock scrambling.
Is it safe to walk to Cramond Island?
Yes, but you must check the tide times. The concrete causeway to Cramond Island is exposed for approximately 4 hours around low tide. The RNLI recommends crossing only during the 2 hours either side of low water. Check the notice board at the causeway or text CRAMOND to 81400 for safe crossing times. People get stranded every summer.
What are the best free walks in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has outstanding free walks. Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park are free and open 24 hours. Calton Hill, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Inverleith Park, Princes Street Gardens, and the Royal Mile are all free. The Water of Leith Walkway and Union Canal towpath are also free to walk — you only pay for transport to the start point.
