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United Kingdom
Scotland
Lothian
Edinburgh

Southside

Easy hikes and walks around Southside

4.6

(1931)

27,319

hikers

35

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Southside offer a diverse range of urban exploration and natural escapes within Edinburgh. The area features historic cityscapes, expansive green spaces like Bruntsfield Links, and the distinctive volcanic hill of Arthur's Seat, providing varied terrain for walkers. These routes often combine paved paths through historic districts with natural trails in parklands, offering accessible outdoor activity. The landscape includes gentle ascents to viewpoints and flat walks along urban green corridors.

Best easy hiking trails around Southside

  • The most popular easy hiking route is East Ascent of Arthur's Seat – Dunsapie Loch loop from Edinburgh, a 4.1 miles (6.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 48 minutes to complete. This route offers views of the city and Dunsapie Loch from the slopes of Arthur's Seat.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Royal Mile – Edinburgh Castle loop from Edinburgh, an easy 4.2 miles (6.8 km) path. This trail navigates through historic city streets, passing significant landmarks and offering urban scenery.
  • Local hikers also love the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop from Edinburgh, a 1.7 miles (2.8 km) trail leading through urban parkland, often completed in about 43 minutes.
  • Hiking around Southside is defined by historic urban paths, expansive green parks, and the unique volcanic landscape of Arthur's Seat. The network offers options for different ability levels, from short city strolls to longer parkland loops.
  • The routes in Southside are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 600 reviews. More than 14,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Southside's varied terrain.

Last updated: October 31, 2026

9

hikers

#1.

St Margaret's Loch – St Margaret's Well loop from Edinburgh

2.87km

00:46

30m

30m

Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

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Tips from the Community

Volker Rump 🌲〽️
October 22, 2026, St Margaret's Loch

From here it is only a few steps up to the ruins of St. Antony's Chapel.

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1

0

Especially in autumn with the colorful leaves, it is a feast for the eyes.

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1

0

Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), defeated Napoleon with his troops in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

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1

0

Nice hotel right at the train station.

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1

0

Nice water features to walk between, especially in warm weather.

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7

0

Art market in a former church

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0

0

Marisa
August 10, 2025, St Margaret's Well

a restored and relocated holy well with fascinating history

1

0

Jim Taylor
July 31, 2025, The Meadows

Great space in the middle of Scotland's capital city.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available in Southside, Edinburgh?

Southside, Edinburgh, offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with 14 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are 32 hiking routes in the area, catering to various preferences.

Are there any easy loop trails in Southside, Edinburgh?

Yes, Southside features several easy loop trails perfect for a relaxed outing. A popular option is the East Ascent of Arthur's Seat – Dunsapie Loch loop from Edinburgh, which offers scenic views and takes about 1 hour 48 minutes to complete. Another great choice is the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop from Edinburgh, a shorter urban parkland walk.

What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes in Southside, Edinburgh?

Easy hikes in Southside, Edinburgh, offer a diverse range of scenery. You can explore historic cityscapes, expansive green spaces like Bruntsfield Links, and the unique volcanic hill of Arthur's Seat. Routes often combine paved paths through historic districts with natural trails in parklands, providing both urban charm and natural beauty.

Are there family-friendly easy hikes in Southside, Edinburgh?

Absolutely. Many of the easy trails in Southside are suitable for families. The routes are generally accessible, with gentle ascents and flat sections through parks and urban green corridors. The Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop from Edinburgh is a particularly good option for a shorter, family-friendly stroll through urban parkland.

What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along easy hiking trails in Southside?

Southside's easy hiking trails often pass by significant landmarks. You can explore the historic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle on routes like the Royal Mile – Edinburgh Castle loop from Edinburgh. Other attractions include the iconic Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Palace, and the picturesque Dunsapie Loch.

What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Southside, Edinburgh?

The easy trails in Southside are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from historic urban paths to green parks and the unique landscape of Arthur's Seat, making for enjoyable and accessible outdoor experiences.

Are there easy hikes in Southside that offer good viewpoints?

Yes, several easy hikes provide excellent viewpoints. The East Ascent of Arthur's Seat – Dunsapie Loch loop from Edinburgh offers fantastic views of the city and Dunsapie Loch from the slopes of Arthur's Seat. You can also find panoramic views from View of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth, accessible from some routes around nearby lakes.

How long do easy hikes in Southside typically take?

The duration of easy hikes in Southside varies. Shorter routes, such as the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative – Bruntsfield Links loop from Edinburgh, can be completed in about 43 minutes. Longer easy trails, like the Royal Mile – Edinburgh Castle loop from Edinburgh, might take around 1 hour 48 minutes, offering a more extended exploration of the city's highlights.

Can I reach easy hiking trails in Southside using public transport?

Given Southside's urban location within Edinburgh, many easy hiking trails are well-connected by public transport. Routes that start and end within the city center or near major parks like Bruntsfield Links are generally very accessible via Edinburgh's bus network, making it convenient to start your walk without a car.

Are there any easy urban hikes in Southside, Edinburgh?

Southside is ideal for easy urban hikes, blending city exploration with green spaces. Trails like the Stevenlaw's Close – Cockburn Street loop from Edinburgh and the Cockburn Street – Scott Monument loop from Edinburgh navigate through historic streets, offering a unique way to experience Edinburgh's urban landscape on foot.

What types of natural features can be found on easy hikes in Southside?

Beyond urban scenery, easy hikes in Southside feature notable natural elements. You can encounter the distinctive volcanic geology of Arthur's Seat, enjoy the open green spaces of Bruntsfield Links, and discover tranquil spots like Dunsapie Loch. The area provides a pleasant mix of natural and urban environments.

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