Your wee guide to Edinburgh 2017 | Page 22

23 BACK TO NATURE Recent research has shown that Edinburgh has more green spaces than any other city in the UK, and with fantastic public transport beyond the city limits too, the great outdoors are easily accessible. Get on your bike or strap on your hiking boots and get outside! Stepping away from the city’s popular Holyrood Park, Meadows and Princess Street gardens, there is more to be discovered. Dalkeith Country Park is an Instagrammer’s dream. From fields of bluebells in Spring to crunchy leaves in Autumn, herds of deer and a red squirrel or two, you will feel a world away from the bustling city. The best part? It’s only a bus ride away from the city centre. The Water of Leith runs from the Firth of Forth to the sea at Leith. The 35km long river trickles through funky Leith, quaint Dean Village and passed the Slateford Aquaduct. Keep your eyes peeled – it’s not uncommon to spot a heron amongst the reeds. Portobello Beach is two miles of golden sand to the east of Edinburgh, where locals brave the chilly sea, fly kites and spend pennies on the old school fun-fair.   The Water of Leith is filled with old structures from times gone by. St Bernard’s Well was built in 1789 and has stood watch over this scenic stretch of water ever since. Water of Leith, Stockbridge