The best parks in the Lothians
There are some stunning locations
The Lothians are a spellbinding combination of stunning coastline with incredible countryside, so the area boasts captivating beauty for everyone to enjoy. If you are looking for somewhere to spend a day outdoors, take a look at our list of top picks.
Polkemmet Country Park
Situated near Whitburn in West Lothian, Polkemmet Country Park is a very popular destination for visitors nearby as well as those from afar. It is easy to see why it has such popularity, the 168-acre mammoth park is a captivating combination of grassland and woodland. It is a paradise for walkers with a variety of walking options, including two circular waymarked trails which are well-signposted. The paths are great for walkers, being either surfaced or firm terrain. Extra care should be taken in wet and muddy weather.
If you have a keen eye for wildlife, prepare to be spoilt. Bats, badgers water voles, fox and roe deer all reside here thanks to the ancient woodlands and the old Oak and Scots Pine trees are home to many birds and squirrels.
Stop for a rest at the café in the courtyard or bring your own snacks to one of the many picnic areas, then try out the fun orienteering course with friends and family.
There is a varied adventure play area for younger visitors, and horse-riding tracks.
Golf fanatics will have heard of the incredible golf facilities at Polkemmet Park; a nine-hole course is available, plus a floodlit golf range.
The park is also home to the Scottish Owl Centre, for more details visit: https://www.scottishowlcentre.com/
Almondell and Calderwood Country Park
Nestled comfortably in the valley of the River Island, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park is a bit of a hidden gem.
Calderwood is an area of beautiful woodland, and as such it attracts wildlife such as roe deer, foxes, heron and woodpeckers. The old Oak and Hazel trees are home to wood mice and squirrels, and if you are lucky, you can spot some of these beautiful inhabitants.
Fans of fishing will be spoilt by the angling options on the River Almond.
Walkers can enjoy excellent waymarked routes on a variety of paths, and a tarmac route for cycling and horse riding, plus an orienteering course to enjoy.
The beauty of the area lends itself very simply to relaxing and enjoying some peace in an idyllic place.
John Muir Country Park
Spanning part of the captivating East Lothian coastline, the John Muir Country Park is a gem for anyone interested in natural history, or just looking to spend time in a breath-taking space.
It is named after naturalist and conservationist John Muir who was born in the area in 1838. The habitat naturally lends itself to homing a variety of birds such as shelduck, skylark, meadow pipit and lapwing. There are also 400 species of plant to explore so a walk in this lush coastline will never be dull. You can meander slowly or take a brisker route and take in the sights.
The best places for walks in Edinburgh and The Lothians
Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park
Nestled in the heart of the capital, Arthur's Seat is a hill walk that has it all. The views and surrounding areas are breathtaking and full of historical importance.
There is a nice steep incline for those who like to walk uphill, and the surrounding landscape provides the perfect escape from the city.
How long does it take to climb Arthur's Seat?
The summit sits proudly at 279m and in decent weather conditions an average walker would complete the walk in around 2.5 hours.
How difficult is it to climb Arthur's Seat?
Although there is a steep climb, the overall distance to cover is approximately 4.75km, which means it is manageable for most walkers.
The climb is pretty steep, and the terrain is rocky, so even though it is a relatively short distance, it can be tricky for an inexperienced walker, or if weather conditions are bad.
River Tyne: Haddington to East Linton
If you are looking for a nice long walk, with beautiful views without a steep hill, this is the one for you. The riverside walk begins in Haddington and follows the river downstream to East Linton. There is so much to see along the way, the area is swathed in history, and you can see Hailes Castle amongst other treats.
How long does it take to walk from Haddington to East Linton?
The flat walk stretches for 10.25km and is comprised of footpaths, although watch out as they can get a bit muddy in wet weather. An average walker would complete the walk in less than 3.5 hours.
How difficult is it to walk along River Tyne?
This is an easy walk, it is flat and comprised of footpaths. If you are comfortable walking for around 3 hours, it's a straightforward walk.
Scald Law and Carnethy Hill, Flotterstone
Scald Law is the highest point of the Pentland Hills. Just south of Edinburgh, the Pentlands are easily accessible from the city.
Scald Law peaks at 609 metres so is a good test of the old walking legs! The most popular route takes walkers along Carnethy Hill and a switchback ridge. The descent follows the lovely Loganlea Reservoir and Glencorse Reservoir.
How long does it take to walk up Scald Law?
As the total route adds up to around 12km, it takes an average walker around five hours, in average weather conditions. There are clear pathways throughout the route, although some sections can be rough underfoot.
How challenging is it to climb Scald Law?
This is a high climb at 609 metres. It has good paths, but at around five hours total walking time, it isn't one we would recommend for a beginner.
Aberlady Bay and Gullane Point
This is one of our favourite walks for the sheer beauty of it. Aberlady Bay is a nature reserve and there is so much to admire as you walk. The route is wonderfully varied, as it goes through a lovely sandy beach and then on to the village before returning inland.
How long does it take to walk to Gullane Point?
From Gullane Beach To Aberlady Bay is around 3 miles/4.5 km long, and takes roughly 2-3 hours to walk at a relaxed pace.
How difficult is it to walk along Aberlady Bay?
This is a flat walk, and around 6km in total, so manageable for even beginners.
Lammer Law and Hopes Reservoir
The Lammermuirs are a series of hills and moorland in East Lothian, and Lammer Law is one of these hills. It is the most popular of the Lammermuirs and although it is not the highest peak, its summit affords breath taking views as far as the eye can see.
The walk itself is very satisfying. It is an expansive circular route which is beautiful and also takes in the Hopes reservoir.
How long does it take to climb Lammer Law?
The terrain is easy to navigate with good hill tracks throughout. The peak sits at 352 metres, and the average walker would complete the route in around five hours.
How difficult is it to walk up Lammer Law?
The route is easy to navigate with good paths, so the main challenges are the height and overall distance (14.5km). Any walker comfortable with five hours of walking, and some steep sections will find this more than manageable.
Whether you are new to the area, or a native lothianer, there is an outdoors spot to suit your interests.
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