Blue Monday is said to be the most depressing day of the year. It normally falls on the third Monday of the year, a time when people are battling the UK’s miserable temperatures, have spent most of their money over Christmas and New Year - or in more recent years food shopping and energy bills - and all and all are left feeling a bit fed up. There’s also an added burden if your New Year’s resolution has proven too tricky to honour in the first few weeks of the year.
But living in Edinburgh, we’re extremely lucky to have an abundance of fantastic walks - from urban jaunts, beach side walks to country strolls - all in and around the Capital to help us keep on top of the Blue Monday blues.
Here are 11 Edinburgh walks we recommend to try if you’re needing a breath of fresh air this Monday.
5. South Queensferry
Whether its beach walks with a view of the three iconic Forth Bridges or a trip into the colourful quaint town, South Queensferry has you covered. There are many breath-taking walks in the area including a popular four-mile coastal walk to Cramond. Photo: Chris Combe, flickr
6. Corstrophine Hill
Located in the west of the city, Corstorphine Hill offers tranquil wooded walks and stunning city views. When you visit the beauty spot you can also explore several landmarks including Corstorphine Hill Tower, a walled garden and an abandoned air raid shelter. Photo: Calum McRoberts - Woodland on Corstorphine Hill
7. Arthurs seat and the Salisbury Crags
The city centre beauty spot provides a wilderness feel in the heart of the city with a wide selection of walking routes available. Offering astonishing views of the capital, visitors who travel to the extinct volcano can also explore nearby Duddingston Loch and St Margaret's Loch. Photo: Adam Fagen, flickr
8. Water of Leith
The Water of Leith offers a range of tranquil walks along its 22 mile stretch, hosting a range of wildlife alongside stunning river views. There are many popular walks along the majestic river including the two-mile Roseburn to Stockbridge route where you can visit the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art and Dean Village. Photo: dun_deagh, flickr