This is the second in our series of articles on a selection of walks you can reach by public transport from Scotland’s cities – check out the previous piece for public transport walks from Glasgow. We also have many walks within the city of Edinburgh itself – including each of Edinburgh’s Seven Hills.
Tips for using Walkhighlands
Whether you are using the free Walkhighlands app that lets you download our detailed route descriptions and GPS mapping for use offline, or just using the website, when doing any walk search you can specify if you are looking for walks that are accessible by public transport – just tick the ‘advanced search’ box to bring up the option. You can search for walks in any specific area, but here are our ideas for 10 walks you can reach from Edinburgh.
Walking using public transport in Scotland does take a bit more effort to plan your journey, but every route on Walkhighlands includes a link to Google Maps when opens at the start point of that walk. This is a great starter for finding the relevant public transport, as if you then press the ‘directions’ button you can get Google maps to suggest the relevant buses and trains you need to take. Another good resource is Traveline Scotland.
Almondell and Lin’s Mill Aqueduct
Why
Just a stone’s throw from Livingston, this beautiful circular walk takes in the Almondell Country Park en route to reach and cross a truly spectacular aqueduct on the Union Canal. Although set in one of the more built up parts of the central belt, most of this walk has a very rural feel.
How
The route is described from Mid Calder; if arriving by bus, get off at Torphichen Inn, which is about a 50 minute ride from Princes Street. The walk begins just around the corner on Pumpherston Road.
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Almondell and Lin’s Mill Aqueduct
Scald Law and Carnethy Hill
Why
Edinburgh is very lucky to have the Pentlands on its doorstep as they are a fabulous range for walkers. Although just beyond the bypass, they feel like a world away. Scald Law is the highest of the Pentlands; this classic approach reaches it via a very fine switchback ridge, taking in the shapely Carnethy Hill along the way.
How
Catch a bus from the city to the Flotterstone Inn (the buses lead on to either Dumfries or Biggar). Journey time is around 40 minutes.
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Yellowcraig beach circuit from Dirleton
Why
Yellowcraig must rank as one of the finest beaches in East Lothian, a stunning stretch of sand with views to the islands of Fidra, Craigleith and the Bass rock. It is the main draw of this excellent circular walk beginning from the picturesque village of Dirleton, famed for its grand castle. The return passes through some of Scotland’s most exclusive housing developments.
How
Lothian EastCoastBuses service to North Dunbar stops at Dirleton; journey time around an hour.
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Yellowcraig beach circuit from Dirleton
Dalmeny Estate: Queensferry to Cramond Brig
Why
One of the joys of using public transport to reach walks is that it frees you from the tyranny of having to return to a parked car. This classic walk – now incorporated into a stage of the John Muir Way – starts in the historic town of Queensferry, taking quiet lanes and tracks through the wooded Dalmeny Estate close by the shores of the Forth. The route passes historic Dalmeny House and Barnbougle Castle.
How
You’ve a choice of a bus to Queensferry or a train to Dalmeny Station to reach the start. The route ends at Cramond Brig, from where you can catch a bus for a short ride back into Edinburgh.
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Dalmeny Estate: Queensferry to Cramond Brig
Burntisland to East Wemyss
Why
Much of the Fife Coastal Path is within range from Edinburgh. This wonderfully varied section takes in quiet shorelines, picturesque harbours and ruined castles, as well as a walk along the long promenade at Kirkcaldy.
How
Train or bus to Burntisland. You can then get a bus back from East Wemyss (or a train from Kirkcaldy if you decide on a shorter walk).
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Cademuir Hill Forts and the Tweed, Peebles
Why
They say that Peebles is for Pleasure, and that’s certainly true on this wonderful circular walk that uses old paths to climb high across the flanks of Cademuir Hill, visiting its spectacular hillforts and taking in their fine views. The return is perhaps even better – running along the beautiful banks of the Tweed.
How
Borders buses to Peebles from Edinburgh take around an hour.
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Cademuir Hill Forts and the Tweed
Dalkeith Country Park circuit
Why
The grand stately pile of Dalkeith House is at the heart of a Country Park that makes for a fine shorter walk only just outside Edinburgh. It takes in the spectacular ruined conservatory, the banks of the Rivers North and South Esk, and an ancient oakwood.
How
Take a bus from Edinburgh to the centre of Dalkeith, then head north along the High Street until it heads into the Country Park. You can then pick up the circular walk at Stage 7 at St Mary’s church.
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Dunbar cliff top trail
Why
Dunbar was the childhood home of the father of the conservation movement – John Muir – and his birthplace is now a museum. This walk explores the red sandstone cliffs and golf courses and the second the historic high street and and harbours. It’s quite short – but you can easily extend it by adding the Belhaven Bay circuit to make a fabulous outing.
How
Dunbar has a direct train service from Edinburgh Waverley, as well as a regular bus service.
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River Tyne: Haddington to East Linton
Why
This attractive linear walk follows the banks of the River Tyne downstream from Haddington – the traditional capital of East Lothian – to the picturesque village of East Linton. The walk has plenty of interest – including views of Hailes Castle on the opposite bank.
How
Both Haddington and East Linton are linked by bus from Edinburgh; East Linton additionally has a new train station.
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Linlithgow to Queensferry on the John Muir Way
Why
This longer walk has plenty of interest for a full day out. It crosses farmland from Linlithgow to reach the Firth of Forth at Bo’ness, passing historic Kinneil House along the way. It then follows the coastline, which is a mix of industrial and wooded with good views to reach the spectacular Blackness Castle – used as a location in Outlander. Hopetoun House is next on route to another coastal section before the imposing bridges and South Queensferry is reached.
How
Linlithgow is most easily reached by train from Edinburgh, though there are also buses. For the return to Edinburgh from Queensferry you can catch a bus, or walk to Dalmeny Station for the train.
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