Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve (with kids)

This reserve combines natural and historical interest within the city. The 18th-century Hermitage house overlooks the Braid Burn valley, while the surrounding meadows, woodland, and ponds of the Local Nature Reserve support diverse wildlife, all crowned by the summit views from Blackford Hill.

Lovely walks and great views

Absolutely beautiful place, even in winter. It’s my absolute favourite thing to grab a hot drink and go for a wander, and this place allows exactly that. Easy to get to via bus (I recommend putting directions on Google Maps to “The Lodge Coffee House” for this entrance) - this entrance has three paths you can choose from, the middle being paved and fairly flat the whole way for easy access (I saw...

A walk through the Hermitage of the Braid is a delight at any time of year, then climb to the top of Blackford Hill and be stunned by the fantastic views over Edinburgh and far beyond. It's a gentle climb but can be muddy along the burn. A great place for happy dog walking.

It was a pleasure to have walked the length of the nature reserve. I went there right after dropping my wee ones at school on a Thursday morning. Most people were nice and exchanged brief hellos. Several people were out with their dogs, I saw a family having a birthday hangout with their kids, a couple of runners and cyclists, and some squirrels. Very large and indeed well reserved.