Hiking
Whether its stroll on the beach or something a little more challenging you have some excellent options for exercising your passion for the great outdoors. We love walking along the beach from North Berwick to Dirleton, stopping for a drink or coffee and walking home again. Great scenery and an enjoyable way to spend a day or few hours.
There are many options and the best hiking resource we know is www.walkinghighlands.co.uk for great detail and maps. If you are looking for a greater challenge the following hikes are some of our favourites and are right here on your doorstep.
The John Muir Way is a long-distance path which links the outskirts of Edinburgh with the Scottish Borders. Following the coastline for much of its 73km length, the way offers excellent walking Named after the Dunbar-born conservationist John Muir. Muir emigrated to America and became the father of the American National Parks and a key figure in the conservation movement.
The route has a variety of scenery from fine sandy beaches to wilder coastal cliff tops and gives views of some fascinating landforms such as the Bass Rock and North Berwick Law.
Water of Leith is a unique walk that starts at the foot of the Pentland Hills and dissects Edinburgh ending by the Water of Leith near the harbour. It starts next to Balerno High School and runs 12.25 miles [19.6 kilometres] to Leith. The path runs downhill, but the incline is so slight that it is barely perceptible. Approximately half a mile of the route is on roads, for the remainder the path runs alongside the Water of Leith, and away from traffic, it provides access to many interesting sights, like the Scottish National Gallery and the Dean Gallery.
www.sustrans.org.uk/nvn/map/route/water-of-leith
The River Tyne Path – Haddington to East Linton
Are you looking for aways to burn off a few calories? How about walking from Haddington to East Linton along the River Tyne Path? In fact, if you are feeling really energetic, you can continue all the way to the mouth of the river at John Muir Country Park and then on to Dunbar!
The new path runs from the charming 16th century Abbey Bridge to the 13th century Hailes Castle along sections of the river bank that were previously impenetrable. This is a natural grass and earth path to help it blend in with the surrounding environment. It passes various mills and weirs and takes you to tranquil parts of the river away from the hustle and bustle of traffic.
http://www.visiteastlothian.org/activities-walking.asp
The Pentland Hills are another one of our favourite walking areas. Only 30 minutes away with lots of different circular walks and some fantastic scenery. At the northern end by the Ski Field there excellent view across Edinburgh. The are many walks and maps are available from the Visitor Centre