Hermitage of Braid & Blackford Hill Edinburgh
A beautiful nature reserve offering woodland walks along a burn and rewarding city views from Blackford Hill.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, fewer crowds
Hermitage of Braid & Blackford Hill Edinburgh
Best Time
Peaceful, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful nature reserve offering woodland walks along a burn and rewarding city views from Blackford Hill.
"A delightful escape with stunning views and peaceful trails, perfect for walks and relaxation."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Ideal for dog walks with plenty of shade and cooling waters. Dogs have a blast here!
🚶♀️ Accessible Paths
The middle path from The Lodge is paved and flat, suitable for prams and easy access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blackford Hill Summit
Blackford Hill
Panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. A rewarding climb for stunning cityscapes.
Hermitage of Braid Burn
Hermitage of Braid
A tranquil riverside valley with winding paths, offering shade and a peaceful escape.
The Lodge Coffee House
Main Entrance
A convenient spot for refreshments before or after your walk, with accessible paths nearby.
Planning Your Visit
Best Entry Points
Weather-Ready Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Ideal for dog walks with plenty of shade and cooling waters. Dogs have a blast here!
🚶♀️ Accessible Paths
The middle path from The Lodge is paved and flat, suitable for prams and easy access.
Accessing Hermitage of Braid and Blackford
☕ Refreshments Available
A small coffee stop at the entrance offers drinks and food.
🗺️ Explore Many Paths
Discover numerous winding trails; you'll want to return to explore them all!
Where are the most underrated places in Edinburgh?
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Ideal for dog walks with plenty of shade and cooling waters. Dogs have a blast here!
🚶♀️ Accessible Paths
The middle path from The Lodge is paved and flat, suitable for prams and easy access.
☕ Refreshments Available
A small coffee stop at the entrance offers drinks and food.
🗺️ Explore Many Paths
Discover numerous winding trails; you'll want to return to explore them all!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful scenery, especially the panoramic views from Blackford Hill and the tranquil Hermitage valley. It's praised as an easily accessible, dog-friendly nature escape on the edge of the city, perfect for walks and relaxation year-round. Some find the paths can be muddy, but the overall experience is highly positive.
"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 was about £3)"
Ashleigh
"A walk through the Hermitage of the Braid is a delight at any time of year, then climb to the top of Blackford Hill and be stunned by the fantastic views over Edinburgh and far beyond. It's a gentle climb but can be muddy along the burn. A great place for happy dog walking."
Rachel Pitches
"Great quiet place to walk at the edge of Edinburgh centre. Larger than one expects with a nice set of options connecting with Blackford Hill and surroundings.
Also has the option of good walk back to town via Morningside and Meadows."
Tim Bolt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buses 9 and 38 on West Mains Road are recommended for Blackford Hill access. For the Hermitage, consider using Google Maps to direct you to 'The Lodge Coffee House' for a popular entrance.
Common entry points include those near The Lodge Coffee House, and buses 9 and 38 on West Mains Road will get you close. You can also access it from Braid Road/Buckstone Terrace for a reasonable incline.
There isn't one designated 'main' entrance. You can enter at various points and explore freely. The Lodge Coffee House is a popular starting point.
Yes, you can drive part of the way up Blackford Hill. The entrance on Braid Road/Buckstone Terrace is a good option if you're arriving by car.
While not explicitly detailed, driving to the Braid Road/Buckstone Terrace entrance or near The Lodge Coffee House suggests some local parking availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill is free. It's a public nature reserve.
As a nature reserve, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
No, there is no admission fee. The Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill is a free public space for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, it's a beautiful place to visit year-round, offering different scenery in each season.
Generally, no. It's a public nature reserve, but always be mindful of local wildlife and maintain the natural environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a mix of paved, steady paths (especially near The Lodge), muddy tracks along the burn, and off-roading routes up Blackford Hill.
The climb is generally considered gentle, especially from the Braid Road/Buckstone Terrace entrance. It's manageable for most fitness levels.
Yes, there are toilets located near the Hermitage.
Absolutely! The summit of Blackford Hill offers fantastic city views, and the woodland along the burn provides picturesque scenes.
Yes, it's a very popular and dog-friendly spot, with plenty of space for them to explore.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a small coffee stop near the entrance of The Lodge that offers drinks and food.
A latte, for example, was around £3, suggesting moderately priced refreshments.
While not explicitly mentioned, the large green spaces and benches around suggest it's a great place for a picnic.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the reserve.
The reserve is on the edge of Edinburgh, so you can easily walk back towards Morningside or the Meadows for more dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Blackford Hill provides breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh, making it the prime spot for landscape photography.
Yes, the winding paths along the burn, the woodland, and the natural scenery offer many charming and picturesque photo opportunities.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful light for both the city views from Blackford Hill and the atmospheric woodland shots in the Hermitage.
The reserve is home to various wildlife, including squirrels and birds, offering opportunities for nature photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Many visitors enjoy combining a walk through the Hermitage with a climb up Blackford Hill. The paths are interconnected, allowing for flexible exploration. You can spend hours discovering the numerous winding trails, with each visit revealing new routes and perspectives.
The Views from Blackford Hill
These views are particularly stunning during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the city is bathed in warm light.
Nature and Wildlife
Even in winter, the area retains its beauty, offering a peaceful escape.
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