The best city hikes and walks around Southside

Southside offers a great selection of urban hiking trails, with 16 routes available to explore. These range from short city strolls to longer walks that take you through the area's diverse urban landscapes.

Yes, Southside is very beginner-friendly! Out of the 16 available urban hikes, 12 are rated as easy. A great option for a gentle introduction is the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop, which is just under 3 km. For a slightly longer but still easy walk, consider the Royal Mile – Edinburgh Castle loop.

Urban walks in Southside vary in length, catering to different preferences. You can find shorter routes like the Cockburn Street – Scott Monument loop, which is about 2.6 km and takes around 45 minutes. For a more extended urban adventure, the Cleekim Wood – View of Arthur's Seat loop covers nearly 11.6 km and can take over 3 hours.

Yes, many of the urban hikes in Southside are designed as convenient loops. For example, the Royal Mile – Edinburgh Castle loop and the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop both offer circular paths, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps.

Southside's urban trails offer a mix of historic cityscapes and natural beauty. Many routes provide excellent views of iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat. For specific viewpoints, consider routes that pass near Arthur's Seat, which offers panoramic city views, or the Cleekim Wood – View of Arthur's Seat loop for a different perspective.

Southside's urban trails are rich with history. You can walk past significant landmarks such as Holyrood Palace and the historic Royal Mile. The Stevenlaw's Close – Cockburn Street loop takes you through charming old city streets, offering a glimpse into Edinburgh's past.

While primarily urban, some trails in and around Southside do offer natural water features. You can find the picturesque Dean Village Waterfall and the Small Waterfall in Edinburgh, which provide a refreshing contrast to the city environment. These are often accessible via short detours from main urban paths.

The komoot community highly rates urban hiking in Southside, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 2000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the convenience of exploring historical sites and green spaces within the city, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse scenery that blends urban charm with natural beauty.

Yes, Southside is well-served by public transport, making it easy to access many urban hiking trailheads. Edinburgh has an extensive bus network, and many routes start or pass near major bus stops. For specific routes, checking local transport apps for the best connections to your chosen starting point is recommended.

Urban hiking in Southside can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, the city's historic charm and festive atmosphere make for unique walking experiences, though waterproof clothing is always advisable given Edinburgh's climate.

For urban walks in Southside, comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll be covering varied terrain including pavements, cobbled streets, and potentially park paths. Layers are always a good idea due to changeable weather, and a waterproof jacket is highly recommended regardless of the season.