Edinburgh is one of the best cities in Britain for walking, with an extinct volcano, a deep river valley and a stretch of the Forth coast all within the city boundary, and the Pentland Hills a short bus ride from the centre.

Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park. At 251 metres, Arthur’s Seat gives views over the city and the Firth of Forth, and there are several paths up from Holyrood Park, including Salisbury Crags and the Radical Road. Calton Hill and the Royal Mile make an easy town walk nearby.

Water of Leith and the Union Canal. The Water of Leith Walkway follows the river for around 12 miles from Balerno to the port of Leith, passing the Dean Village and Stockbridge, and the Union Canal towpath gives flat walking west of Fountainbridge.

The Pentlands and the Forth. The Pentland Hills Regional Park, with Allermuir, Caerketton and Harlaw Reservoir, is reached from Balerno and Swanston. On the coast, paths run from Granton and Cramond to Dalmeny and South Queensferry, and the John Muir Way passes along the shore.

Hill paths in the Pentlands and on Arthur’s Seat can be steep and windy, so wear good footwear even for short walks.