Blackford Hill & Hermitage of Braid

Blackford Hill & Hermitage of Braid form one of Edinburgh's finest open spaces: a local nature reserve in a steep, wooded valley along the Braid Burn, managed by the City of Edinburgh Council's Natural Heritage Service and holding a Green Flag since 2011. Families can stroll beside the burn through ancient woodland (some beech trees over 40m tall), drop into the visitor centre at Hermitage House (1780s mansion with displays and activities), explore the walled garden, dovecot and ice house, and walk up Blackford Hill (164m) for panoramic views over the city, the Forth and the Pentland Hills. At Blackford Pond there's a small fenced playground with swings and a climbing net, plus ducks, swans and geese to feed. Wildlife includes woodpeckers, kingfishers, herons, tawny owls and even otters in the burn. Public toilets at the Stables are open daily 9am-4pm, and there is a car park on Braid Road. Entry is free - a brilliant, no-cost nature day out in south Edinburgh.