The best walks and hikes around Craigentinny/Meadowbank

Yes, the area is very accommodating for dog walkers. For a gentle, flat walk with plenty of space, the Portobello Beach – Portobello Promenade loop is an excellent choice. The wide sandy beach offers a great off-leash area, though be mindful of local restrictions. For a greener space, Figgate Park provides pleasant paths around its pond.

For an easy walk with rewarding views that isn't too strenuous for children, consider the Dunsapie Loch – View of Salisbury Crags loop. It's a relatively short and gentle route within Holyrood Park. Alternatively, a short trip to the highly-regarded Dalkeith Country Park offers extensive paths and a large adventure playground.

Yes, the area is well-served by Edinburgh's public transport. Numerous Lothian Buses routes run along London Road and Portobello Road, providing direct access to the entrances of Holyrood Park near Meadowbank and the paths leading to Portobello Beach. This makes it easy to start your hike without needing a car.

Definitely. Holyrood Park is ideal for circular walks. A great moderate option is the Dunsapie Loch – Arthur's Seat loop from Jock's Lodge, which offers a complete circuit of the park's main features. Many other informal loops can be created by combining the various paths within the park.

For a more peaceful experience, explore the paths along the Figgate Burn or the Restalrig Railway Path. These urban green corridors are often less busy than the main routes up Arthur's Seat or the Portobello Promenade, offering a quiet escape within the city.

The routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning panoramic views from Arthur's Seat and the unique experience of having such a rugged landscape right in the city. The contrast between the wild park and the gentle seaside walks is also frequently mentioned.

There are over 40 curated hiking routes to explore around Craigentinny and Meadowbank on komoot. They range from easy, flat coastal walks to more challenging moderate ascents in Holyrood Park, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.

While the immediate area is mostly easy to moderate, you can create a more challenging day by combining routes. The Arthur's Seat – Scott Monument loop is a longer, more strenuous option at over 8 miles, combining the hill climb with a city walk. For truly extensive and challenging hiking, the popular Pentland Hills Regional Park is just a short drive away.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find flat, paved promenades and sandy shores along Portobello Beach. In Holyrood Park, expect a mix of grassy slopes, well-trodden dirt paths, and rocky, uneven sections, especially on the final ascent to Arthur's Seat. Good footwear is recommended for any of the park's hill routes.

Yes, Portobello High Street, located right by the beach, has numerous independent cafes, bakeries, and pubs that are perfect for a post-walk refreshment. If your walk finishes near Meadowbank, you'll find several traditional pubs and cafes along London Road.

Absolutely. The area is great for running. The Portobello Promenade offers a long, flat, and scenic route for a seaside run. For trail runners, the network of paths in Holyrood Park provides varied terrain and challenging inclines with rewarding views.