Our favourite walks around Edinburgh are picture-perfect and get bonus points for being pretty flat and short enough for the whole family to enjoy. Here is our guide to eight walks in Edinburgh that are perfect for kids and grown-ups looking for a nature fix.
1 Dr Neil’s Garden
Tucked beside Duddingston Loch and under the slopes of Arthur’s Seat, Dr Neil’s is one of Edinburgh’s loveliest secrets. It’s gorgeous at any time of year but pretty darn beautiful in spring and early summer when everything’s in bloom. It’s a haven of calm in the city with wildlife, plenty to explore, and that “secret garden” feeling. A must-visit if you haven’t already.
Do this: Dr Neil’s Garden → stroll around the Loch → Duddingston village → Sheep Heid lunch. If it’s sunny, get the courtyard. Otherwise, go full cosy pub lunch and a game of skittles.
2 Pressmennan Woods
A really lovely woodland near Stenton in East Lothian, Pressmennan offers three well-maintained pathway trails, so check the map before you start. You may spot an otter or two in Pressmennan Lake and the kids will absolutely love the circular sculpture trail where they can go on the hunt for Glingbobs and Tooflits, little wooden figures whose homes are in the trees. Give them a few pennies to leave at the doors for their efforts.
3 Lauriston Castle
Located between Davidson’s Mains and Cramond, the grounds of Lauriston Castle are a beautiful, tranquil spot with views overlooking the Firth of Forth. It’s also home to a pretty, award-winning Japanese garden. Free entry to the grounds and limited parking available onsite.
4 Lord Ancrum’s Wood
A beautiful little spot in the grounds of Newbattle Abbey in Eskbank. Cross over the bridge into the woodland and enjoy wild garlic, bramble or rosehip picking depending on the season, and try spotting the ice house and the ‘cavern’ known as the ‘priest hole’. It’s eerie enough for a spot of fun and the ancient trees are amazing.
5 Newhailes House and Gardens
This one is a winner for peaceful woodland walks, burn jumping (bring wellies), bird watching and 17th century architecture. Newhailes has also become known amongst families for the wooden adventure play park Weehailes, specially developed for the under 12s themed on the Newhailes story. The kids will adore it.
6 Aberlady Dunes and Bay
We absolutely love this walk. Park up to the east of Aberlady Bay and walk across the ‘Footbridge to Enchantment’ to the beautiful local nature reserve. It’s known as a bird watching spot but if you’re lucky, you may see a roe deer along the way. The one-way trail opens out onto a beautiful , vast expanse of golden sands with sweeping views back to Edinburgh. It will be a hit with the kids for the sand dunes, even more so if you remember to take a sledge with you.
7 Arthur’s Seat
The Edinburgh classic. Summit climbing or tadpole spotting, it never gets old. This is one of those walks that works in every season and for every mood. Expect winding paths, pockets of woodland, open views and the chance to spot everything from wildflowers to wildlife if you slow down and look. It’s easy to dip into for a short wander or stretch out into a longer loop. Familiar, reliable, and always a winner.
8 Bonaly Country Park
A firm favourite, Bonaly is one of those walks that can be whatever you need it to be, depending on energy levels and mood. Rolling hills, wide-open views, woodland paths or waterside stretches – take a look at the map before you set off, pack plenty of snacks, and wear decent footwear.
Just five minutes from the Colinton junction, it feels surprisingly rural for how close it is to the city. You’ll know you are on the right road when you pass the Bobcat Alpacas on the way up. There’s parking at the upper car park, making it an easy starting point for exploring this beautiful corner of the Pentlands.
