5 of the best walks in Edinburgh with pubs at the end

Auld Reekie has glorious scenery and atmospheric pubs in plentiful supply. Combine the two by rewarding yourself with a pint after a city walk.
Stretch your legs at the Royal Botanic Gardens and follow it up with a walk to the Shore where you can reward yourself with a pint (Picture: Shutterstock)Stretch your legs at the Royal Botanic Gardens and follow it up with a walk to the Shore where you can reward yourself with a pint (Picture: Shutterstock)
Stretch your legs at the Royal Botanic Gardens and follow it up with a walk to the Shore where you can reward yourself with a pint (Picture: Shutterstock)

Roseburn to Stockbridge

Starting in the Pentlands, the Water of Leith lazily winds its ways down Edinburgh to Leith - you don't have to cover all that distance to justify a pint, however. Start in Roseburn and join up with the Water of Leith walkway and follow the trail northeast. Try not to get too envious of the gorgeous gardens which line the river.

Carry on under Dean Bridge and past the curious St Bernard's Well before finishing up at The Stockbridge Tap. The pub buzzes with locals, who have grown loyal to the bar due to its outstanding selection of real ales.

Distance: 2 miles

The Royal Botanic Gardens to Leith

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Begin by lazily navigating the verdant labyrinth of exotic plants and trees at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Once you've topped up on oxygen join Warriston Path and head east towards the Port of Leith. During the day on a weekend the path is typically buzzing with cyclists and dog walkers.

Eventually you will join the Water of Leith, as it completes its journey from the Pentland Hills to the River Forth.

Treat yourself to a drink at one of the Shore's superb watering holes as a treat for your efforts. Teuchters Landing sits on the Water of Leith and is famed for its range of real ales and whiskys. Alternatively try the Roseleaf - a quaint and welcoming pub, renowned for its excellent pub grub.

Distance: 2.5 miles

Pentlands traverse

You don't have to head into the Highlands to enjoy Scottish scenery and a sense of wilderness - the Pentlands will more than suffice.

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Start at Glencorse burn by Flotterstone Cottage and follow a well worn path west - when you reach a fork in the path choose the route which veers left. Now pull yourself up to the summit of Turnhouse Hill and stride along the breathtaking ridge to the peaks of Carnethy Hill and Scald Law. Return to the bealach between Carnethy Law and Scald Law and descend northwest towards Loganlee Reservoir. From here walk along the banks of Loganlee and then Glencorse Reserovir before returning to your start point.

The Flotterstone Inn is conveniently located by the start and finish point and is happy to welcome thirsty walkers for a cold drink and a hot plate of food.

Distance: 8 miles

Holyrood to Edinburgh Castle

The Royal Mile is hardly a well kept secret, but a walk up the city's most famous thoroughfare, punctuated with detours down backstreets and hidden gardens, can still be rewarding to seasoned Edinburgh locals.

During your ascent up to the Castle Rock, stop off at Canongate Kirk and look out for St John's Cross, once the meeting place of dignitaries and traders; continue climbing and frequent either the Museum of Childhood, or the Writers' Museum on Lady Stair's Close, both of which are free to visitors.

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Follow the road to the Castle Esplanade and marvel at some of the best views in Edinburgh before retreating briefly don the Royal Mile to the Ensign Ewart - a charming and lively pub often occupied by Scottish folk bands.

Distance: 1 mile

Ratho to the Lochrin Basin via the Union Canal

This well trodden route from Ratho to the heart of Edinburgh is a pleasant and peaceful walk which can also be complete on two wheels.

Simply follow the Union Canal path from Ratho to its terminus in the centre of Edinburgh - on the way you will encounter canal boats, kayakers and fellow hikers, leisurely following the artificial waterway east or west.

Conveniently located by the walk's conclusion is Akva, a trendy, Swedish-inspired bar and restaurant. The bar serve up plates of soul-warming Nordic cuisine including Swedish meatballs.

Distance: 8 miles