Published: December 16, 2024
Time outside is good for your mental and physical health. You could connect with a friend, family member, or neighbour and visit some new places together. And if routine is important for you, try a set time each day for fresh air and movement.
Central Edinburgh has many wooded, hilly areas to explore – try Craiglockhart Hill and woods, or The Hermitage of Braid and nearby Blackford Hill and pond. There’s also Corstorphine Hill, Arthur’s Seat, and Calton Hill, all in the city centre. Slightly further (but easily reachable by Lothian bus 10) is Bonaly Country Park and reservoir.
For flat ground, try Leith Links; The Meadows; Inverleith Park; Princes Street Gardens (and Christmas Market, open until 5 January); and Royal Botanic Garden (open except 25 December and 1 January). Or wander the Water of Leith (various access points) and spot the Colinton Tunnel mural art and Antony Gormley’s six life-size figures along the way.
Visited by some of our groups this year, Dr. Neil’s Garden is a botanical gem on the banks of Duddingston Loch, beside the equally tranquil Jock Tamson’s Gairden (both open except 25 December and 1 January). Further out, Dalkeith Country Park (pictured) is a woodland estate favoured by our Mid and East Lothian service (reachable by Lothian bus 3).
Beaches are another peaceful option. Lothian bus 26 goes from Princes Street to Portobello, or bus 47 goes from the West End to Cramond, where you can (tide permitting) hop over to Cramond Island. Or jaunt a little further to Belhaven Bay, a 20-minute train ride from Waverley Station, or North Berwick, a 30-minute train ride from Waverley Station.
You can find our list of Indoor options here.
Our Help and Support Contacts here.
Our table of Edinburgh Food Bank opening times 2024, with additional non-referral food options.
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