Out of Town

South Queensferry

(9 miles west of the city centre). This is a traditional east coast town situated at the south side of the world famous Forth Bridges. Along the terraced streets in the centre of the town there are many attractive 17th century buildings. Close by are the stately houses of Hopetoun and Dalmeny (both open to the public in the summer season).

Swanston Village

(4 miles south of the city centre). A classified conservation area, this hamlet of whitewashed cottages and stone houses is set in lush green surroundings on the lower slopes of the Pentlands. Swanston Cottage was the summer retreat of author Robert Louis Stevenson in the 1870's. The village is an ideal starting point for walks into the rolling Pentland Hills.

Blackford Hill

(2 miles south of the city centre). From 539ft you will have an excellent view over the whole of the city across to the hills of Fife. You can also visit the Royal Observatory, site of the largest telescope in Scotland. Blackford Hill can be approached through the Hermitage of Braid, an idyllic wooded valley which starts from Braid Road in Morningside.

Cramond Village

(4.5 miles north east of the city centre). Cramond, lying at the mouth of the River Almond, was once the site of a Roman Fort, today it is an attractive, peaceful village. A leafy walkway will take you upstream to the remains of 18th century watermills, while at low tide you can walk out to uninhabited Cramond Island for a spectacular view of the Forth. Cramond Kirk, medieval in origin is also well worth a visit.