4.6
(2129)
30,819
hikers
15
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Drum Brae offer access to varied landscapes in and around west Edinburgh. The area is characterized by its elevated position, providing views towards the Firth of Forth and the Fife coast. Drum Brae itself features a local park with diverse tree species and well-maintained paths. It also serves as a gateway to larger natural features like Corstorphine Hill and its historic tower.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
21
hikers
7.97km
02:06
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
17
hikers
11.9km
03:06
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5
hikers
4.90km
01:17
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
3.25km
00:56
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
4.62km
01:21
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Drum Brae
Part of the John Muir Way
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Cheeky little hill with the confluence of River Almond and the Forth / Cramond Beach at the bottom.
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Lovely in autumn with the leaves and colours, but be very cautious on the scaffolding steps, especially coming down them and whilst carrying a bike. Both of us slipped. My fellow cyclists twice! I managed to grab hold of the handrail and stopped myself falling onto the steps.
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Cramond Island is a deserted island with a few ruins and bunkers from the Second World War. At low tide, the island can be reached over a narrow and low concrete causeway in a four-hour window, two hours before and two hours after low tide. The path is about 1.6 kilometres (one mile) long and passes concrete piers dating from the Second World War, built to protect against torpedoes and ships. The times when the path to the island is open are posted at the start of the path and are also published on the internet: https://queensferrylifeboat.co.uk/cramond-tides At high tide, the water rises so high that you can only leave the island by swimming or waiting up to eight hours for the causeway to be open again. If you do decide to swim, be aware of the current, the low water temperature and the relatively long distance.
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A fairly small excavation of a Roman barracks. This formed part of a large Roman Fort dating from ~140AD. There is also a display with drawings of the Fort. It is free to visit and is just outside the church.
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Great to cross the causeway at low tide. Queensferry lifeboats publish save crossing times on their website: https://www.queensferrylifeboat.co.uk/cramond-tides
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There are over 15 bus-accessible hiking trails around Drum Brae, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes start conveniently from public transport stops, making car-free adventures easy.
Yes, Drum Brae offers several easy bus-accessible trails perfect for beginners or families. For example, the View of Cammo Tower loop from Cammo is an easy option, providing a pleasant walk without significant elevation gain. Another gentle choice is the Kaimes Road Climb loop from Corstorphine.
Many bus-accessible hikes near Drum Brae offer excellent viewpoints. Due to Drum Brae's elevated position, you can often enjoy expansive views of the Firth of Forth, the Fife coast, and even the Pentland Hills. The Corstorphine Hill Tower, accessible via routes like the Corstorphine Hill Tower loop, provides incredible vistas over the city. Further afield, Arthur's Seat offers commanding views across the Edinburgh region.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible routes around Drum Brae are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same public transport stop. Examples include the Cammo House Ruins – Cramond Brig loop from Barnton and the Cramond Brig – Cramond Island WWII Bunker loop from Cramond, both offering varied scenery.
Bus-accessible hikes near Drum Brae can lead you to several interesting landmarks. You can visit the Corstorphine Hill Tower, an 1871 memorial offering great views. The area is also close to Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano dominating Holyrood Park. For natural features, you might encounter bodies of water like Glencorse Reservoir or Dunsapie Loch on some routes.
The best time for hiking near Drum Brae is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and the natural landscapes, including Drum Brae Park's diverse trees, are vibrant. While winter hikes are possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wet or icy conditions, especially on higher ground.
Many of the trails around Drum Brae are dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your canine companion on your bus-accessible adventure. Always ensure your dog is kept under control, especially near livestock or in nature reserves, and check local signage for any specific restrictions. The paths through Drum Brae Park and Corstorphine Hill are generally welcoming for dogs.
The komoot community rates bus-accessible hikes around Drum Brae highly, with an average score of 4.65 stars. Hikers frequently praise the convenience of starting directly from bus stops, the varied scenery from urban parks to natural ridges, and the rewarding views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. The accessibility to significant natural features like Corstorphine Hill is also a common highlight.
While many routes are easy to moderate, some bus-accessible trails offer longer distances for more experienced hikers. For example, the Cramond Brig – Cramond Island WWII Bunker loop from Cramond covers over 11 kilometers, providing a substantial walk along the coast. The proximity to the Pentland Hills also means longer, more challenging routes are accessible with a short bus journey from Drum Brae.
Yes, several bus-accessible routes near Drum Brae offer coastal views or pass by water features. The Cramond Brig – Cramond Island WWII Bunker loop from Cramond provides excellent views of the Firth of Forth and the historic Cramond Island. While not directly on the coast, some routes offer distant views of the Firth, and the broader region includes highlights like Granton Harbour and Wardie Bay, which can be reached by bus.


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