Blackford Hill and the Hermitage of Braid
A wooded glen and a hilltop view over Edinburgh, three miles from Princes Street.
- Distance
- 3.3 km
- Ascent
- 140 m
- Time
- 1–1.5 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 164 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Blackford Hill and the Hermitage of Braid is an easy 3.3 km circular walk with 140 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at Hermitage of Braid (grid reference NT 250 702). The start can be reached by public transport.
The Hermitage of Braid is a wooded glen along the Braid Burn on the south side of Edinburgh, a local nature reserve with an 18th-century house at its heart. The walk follows the burn through the woods, then climbs Blackford Hill, topped by the Royal Observatory.
From the summit the whole city is laid out below, with Arthur's Seat, the castle and the Forth beyond.
Route
-
1
The Hermitage
Follow the Braid Burn through the woods.
-
2
Blackford Hill
Climb to the summit for the view, and return to the start.
Summit
Blackford Hill
164 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does Blackford Hill and the Hermitage of Braid take?
- Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 3.3 km route, which has 140 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Hermitage of Braid (grid reference NT 250 702). Small car park at the Braid Road entrance.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Buses along Comiston Road and Braid Road. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. Woodland paths and a steep grassy climb.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.
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