This blog was written by Angela Casey, host of the Edinburgh Outdoors Podcast, a podcast exploring the city’s green spaces and the people in them. From community gardens to secret spaces, learning about the city’s history or just finding a space to breathe, getting outside brings benefit to everyone, and being outdoors in Edinburgh is the best place to be!
Edinburgh is a city bursting with green spaces, making it a fantastic place to explore the outdoors. With 49% of the city classified as green space, you’ll find gardens, parks, river walks, hills, and stunning views everywhere you turn.
There’s plenty of evidence showing that spending time outdoors has significant health and wellbeing benefits. The Outsiders, has helped many people, including myself, to get outside more during the work week. But you don’t need to don hiking boots and climb hills to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s a stroll along the Water of Leith, lunch on a park bench, or relaxing in a hidden city garden, there’s something for everyone to find in our city. Here are some of my favourites…
Hidden Gardens of Edinburgh
The Royal Mile is home to several hidden gardens tucked away in its old closes. My favourites include Dunbar’s Close and Sandeman House Garden, both offering tranquil spots just a step away from the bustling tourist route. Further afield you can find gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers, such as the three gems in Duddingston: Dr Neil’s Garden, Jock Taimson’s Gairden and the local community orchard which grows old Scottish varieties of fruit. You can volunteer at these, but you don’t have to, you can also just drop by and enjoy a bit of nature in a beautiful location as they are really welcoming spaces.

Edinburgh Walks
When we head out for walks with the Outsiders, we have discovered new places and revisted old favourites. You can’t beat a hike up Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat to view Edinburgh in its full glory, or a bracing yomp along the Pentlands skyline ridge for another great view. But if you don’t have the time or inclination, yet you still want those stunning views, then just nip up Calton Hill at the East end of Princes Street where you will also find great views of the city to give you a taste of the outdoors that fits nicely into your work break.

Edinburgh Tours and Experiences
Many talented people work within our green spaces offering a unique perspective on the outdoors. Why not join a walking tour with knowledgeable and entertaining individuals such as: Damien Quinn of Thistle & Dram; Ruth Boreham who runs women’s history tours; or local historian, Hetty Lancaster of Hetty’s History Walks? A walking tour is a great way to get out into the sunshine while learning all about what it is that makes Edinburgh so unique.
Other activities which I have enjoyed while recording my podcast, include the excellent and inspiring fitness instructor Tracy Griffen, who takes people into local parks for exercise and the fascinating Anna of Wander Women: a tranquil sensory experience that brings rejuvenation and relaxation in surprisingly accessible green spaces.

The City Hills
One of the most popular responses to my podcast question, “Where is your favourite space in or around Edinburgh?” is always “Arthur’s Seat”, showing it retains a place close to all our hearts. Other frequently mentioned spots include the East Lothian beaches and Calton Hill, Blackford Hill, and Craiglockhart Hill. Each hill offers a unique vibe, whether it’s the cityscape of Calton, the nature reserve and wildlife on Craiglockhart, or the dog walkers’ top spot of Blackford. Edinburgh’s seven hills are worth exploring for their views and unique nature, allowing you to walk as vigorously or gently as you like.
The best thing about living in Ediburgh and having so much access to green space is that incorporating the outdoors into your work life can become second nature and doesn’t need to be difficult. The benefits are clear, the rewards go beyond just a breath of fresh air and who knows, you might even fall in love with Edinburgh all over again.
Angela Casey
The Edinburgh Outdoors podcast
To listen to Edinburgh Outdoors: https://podfollow.com/edinburgh-outdoors
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