Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve — Attraction in City of Edinburgh

This is a great place to go for a walk which can also incorporate a further walk up either blackford hill or braid hill, and there's an excellent new cafe at the entrance to the hermitage walk. It can get very slippy if icy so be careful but a great walk which can integrate with other walls in the area. Beautiful wooded areas as well and lots of places to explore nearby, would recommend as a good day trip with children or an afternoon walk. Also check out the nearby braid hills hotel which has great views from their restaurant and decking area.

Walking from the hermitage you also have access to Morningside nearby which had loads of wee ships to wander around in, and a number of excellent cafes and restaurants. You could also walk from the hermitage of braid to the observatory at the top of blackford hill and from there into newington-a decent walk but really stunning views from the top of blackford hill and then beautiful architecture as you walk to newington. There are steps and it's quite steep going up blackford but anyone who is reasonably fit shouldn't have any bother. Hope this is helpful but just enjoy walking in the beautiful surroundings created for...

Blackford Hill, The Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Pond are located just past Morningside and before the Braid Hills.

For a city walk, however, it is surprisingly rural with only a little over 100 yards of road along the way.I like to walk up Hermitage Road and enter the walk at the western side of the Hermitage walk. The Braid Burn gurgles though a deep wooded glen before the steep slopes of Blackford Hill are revealed. And it is only when the top is reached that the sight of Edinburgh laid out in front is there to marvel at.

The other five hills can also be seen - Calton Hill, Castle Rock, Corstorphine Hill, Craiglockhart Hill and the Braid Hills, not to mention Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Craggs. It really is hard to believe you are in a capital city.

The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh is located near the summit and at the bottom of the Hill Blackford Pond is home to many birds and a play park. I love climbing up the hill on an evening and watching the sun set...

Absolutely beautiful place, even in winter. It’s my absolute favourite thing to grab a hot drink and go for a wander, and this place allows exactly that.

Easy to get to via bus (I recommend putting directions on Google Maps to “The Lodge Coffee House” for this entrance) - this entrance has three paths you can choose from, the middle being paved and fairly flat the whole way for easy access (I saw various people with prams on here). I chose to veer left and it was a steady mud path to the Hermitage, before somewhat off-roading and hiking up Blackford Hill.

There’s so many wee winding paths, I’ll definitely be back a whole bunch to explore all the other routes!

Notes: toilets near the Hermitage, loads of benches around for rest stops, small coffee stop for drinks & food by the entrance (a latte...