Cramond
Cramond is a picturesque suburb of Edinburgh, located along the Firth of Forth. Known for its scenic beauty, it features a charming village atmosphere, a sandy beach, and the Cramond Island, accessible at low tide.…
Frogs and Toads
Frogs and toads are both amphibians found in the UK, but they have distinct differences in appearance, behavior, and habitat. Frogs, such as the common frog (Rana temporaria), have smooth, moist skin, long hind legs…
Scottish Seals
Scotland is home to two species of Scottish seals: the harbour (or common) seal (Phoca vitulina) and the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). Harbour seals are smaller and have a distinctive dog-like face, often spotted resting…
Deer
Scotland is home to two native species of wild deer: red deer and the smaller roe deer. Red deer, the largest land mammal in the UK, are commonly found in the Scottish Highlands, where they…
Red Squirrels
Red squirrels are one of Scotland's most iconic and beloved native species, known for their vibrant reddish-brown fur and tufted ears. These charming creatures are primarily found in coniferous and mixed woodlands, where they rely…
Otters
Years ago, I used to feel very privileged to occasionally see otters when I was fishing. More recently, they have become more and more common, even right in the center of Edinburgh. Otters can be…
Dean Village, Edinburgh
Just a few minutes walk from the busy centre of Edinburgh and you find yourself in the calm, peaceful riverside area known as Dean Village. It’s like stepping into a different world, and yet you…
Sunshine On Leith
Everybody knows the Proclaimers song – Sunshine on Leith. Leith is Edinburgh’s port, situated where the Water of Leith, a river that runs through Edinburgh, flows into the Forth Estuary. Leith has a character all…
Around Edinburgh – Cramond
Cramond lies on the shores of the River Forth at the western extremes of Edinburgh. It is a popular area for walking, with a beach, walks alongside the River Almond, and if the tide is…
Edinburgh Botanical Gardens Christmas Lightshow December 2021
First Fishing Trip After Lockdown
At last we can travel freely around Scotland again. It’s hard to know what to do first – I have a whole list of hills to climb, but actually the weather has been so cold,…
Glen Finglas Play Trail
The Glen Finglas Play Trail is a woodland walk through Little Druim Wood which is great fun for the kids. There are no really strenuous parts, so suitable for adults of all capabilities. It starts…
Knee Pain While Walking Downhill
I only started climbing hills at the age of 61, when I sold my business and retired. Having spent years working 7 days a week in my warehouse, I was not exactly at the peak…
Climbing Ben Nevis – The Big One
If you go hillwalking in the UK, sooner or later your mind is going to turn to climbing Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK, and as such, it is challenging!…
Midges In Scotland
Welcome To Scotland. Midges in Scotland can be a real problem. Visit any country in the world, and as soon as you head for the great outdoors, you can be sure to find wild animals,…
Stuc Odhar
This is one of the walks originating from the Glen Finglas Visitor Centre car park. (Follow the link for more information.) Initially it follows the same route as the Lendrick Hill and Dam walk. (Follow…
