I think my favourite place to walk in Edinburgh is a bit of a local secret. The Hermitage is a local nature reserve not far from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile. Yet despite being so close to town, a gentle stroll through these quiet and peaceful woods makes you feel as though you are miles away in the countryside, enjoying nature at its most tranquil.

It doesn’t take long to walk through and is a popular spot for local runners and friendly dog walkers, however it never feels busy; in fact at times it seems as though no-one else is around. It’s a truly magical experience at any time of year; from the smell of wild garlic scatterings in the spring, to those mysterious and misty autumnal mornings, it’s a place that always makes me forget where I am.

There are a few ways you can enter The Hermitage, and the easiest is just off the Braid Road. A number 23 or 15 bus will take you practically to the door, but I prefer to walk over Blackford Hill, which gives you an amazing view of the city, and then head down through The Hermitage, ending my stroll in Morningside, with coffee and cake at one of the many cafés or delis there. Try Rocket on Morningside Road for a delicious croissant or light snack.

Image courtesy of Patrick Down on Flickr