Explore Edinburgh

SUMMARY

Dates: Friday September 2nd to Monday September 5th 3 nights/4 days walking

Local Guide: Nadine Andrews

Walking Grade: 2 Goats as this is City Walks but also there will be longer walks in the surrounding parks and hills.

Base: Edinburgh University, Pollocks Estate Summer Accommodation, Holyrood Park Road. Single ensuite rooms and twins/doubles if travelling with a friend or partner. The price is per person. Our accommodation is in the very heart of the city.

Price: £460 per person for the holiday which includes:

• Local Guide for the holiday and any city tours
• Ensuite accommodation with breakfast
• Evening meal together in a local restaurant on the first night
• Lunches
• Local travel required

Not included:

• Travel to Edinburgh
• Dinners on 2 nights
• Drinks

DETAILS

Edinburgh is renowned for inspiration and innovation. For centuries it has nurtured some of the greatest minds and we will find out about some of them as we walk the streets. We will take in the sights of the castle, the Royal Mile and uncover the countless stories and secrets around every corner.

What is wonderful about this trip is that we can enjoy city life but also get out into the nature that surrounds the city. Holyrood Park shapes Edinburghs skyline and we will walk in the dramatic hills including Arthur’s Seat the highest point at 251m.

Edinburgh is built on numerous wooded hills and has more trees per person than any city in Scotland. It has 112 Parks. In this weekend we will explore Edinburghs wild life and natural places.

The Pentland Hills are a range of hills just outside the city, twenty miles in length, giving us opportunities to walk for miles and see another part of this area.

During our 4 days there will be evening walks and day walks to ensure you get a full taste of Scotland and this gorgeous area.

ITINERARY

Walks may change depending on the weather. Our guide will brief you each day. As we are staying in the heart of the city there will be time to explore the city in free time and at night. All walks are at a steady pace and will depend on the group.

Friday Sept 2nd – Walk 2 hours 4-6km

Arrival by 5pm to settle into accommodation and meet the group. Welcome briefing at 6pm and dinner. Evening walk 8-10pm in the 650 acre Holyrood Park in the centre of Edinburgh with its dramatic hills.lochs and crags as well as the remains of a volcano – Arthur’s Seat(251m) which offers a magnificent 360 view over Edinburgh, the Lothians and across the Forth to Fife. We might see otters,Roe deer, owls , bats and raptors such as the Peregrine falcon. The park is also home to many butterfly species including the endangered Northern Brown Argus.

Saturday Sept 3rd – Walk 5 hours 10 – 15km 

Walk in the Pentland Hills. These are just south of Edinburgh and a stunning range of hills ( many around 500m) and reservoirs. Mountain hare, buzzards and roe deer are commonly sighted in the daytime. We return for dinner in the city. The walk is approx. 5 hours and ascent/descent 500m.

Sunday Sept 4th 3- 4 hours 2-3 km 

Walk to Cramond Island, a tidal island one mile out to sea which is connected to the mainland at low tide by a paved causeway. There are remains of World War 11 defences. The island and surrounding area is home to many different species of seabirds,wildfowl and wading birds. We may be lucky with sightings of marine mammals such as grey seals or even a dolphin or whale !

Monday Sept 5th

Departure day and time to wander more of the Edinburgh streets