4.5
(2176)
30,313
hikers
19
hikes
Urban hiking trails around Northfield/Willowbrae offer a blend of city exploration and access to natural landmarks within Edinburgh. The area is characterized by its proximity to Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcanic hill, and the Salisbury Crags, providing varied terrain and elevation changes. Accessible paths lead through urban settings and into green spaces, offering panoramic views of the city and the Firth of Forth. This unique combination makes Northfield/Willowbrae a suitable location for diverse urban hiking experiences.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.9
(8)
187
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
58
hikers
28.7km
07:40
270m
260m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
3.31km
00:55
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Art market in a former church
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A beautiful street in Edinburgh.
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This alleyway was once used to drive cattle to the wholesale market. Today, the alleyway is home to clubs, pubs, student dormitories, and hostels.
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Recommendation
1
1
Better for a stop than for shopping, but you can get the essentials
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Part of the axis from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. It's worth walking the entire route.
2
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just a quiet place, memory off Susannah Alice Stephen
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When you are in Edinburgh, you automatically come to the High Street. :)
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1
There are over 20 urban hiking trails around Northfield/Willowbrae, offering a variety of experiences for different fitness levels. Most of these are easy, making them accessible for many.
Many urban hikes in the Northfield/Willowbrae area offer rewarding panoramic views. You can expect to see expansive vistas of Edinburgh, including iconic landmarks, and the beautiful Firth of Forth.
Yes, the area is well-suited for family walks, with many accessible paths and routes that are considered easy. These shorter excursions often have minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for all ages.
The urban trails in and around Northfield/Willowbrae offer access to several significant landmarks. You can explore areas near Arthur's Seat, visit St Giles' Cathedral, or admire the Scott Monument. Many routes also pass through historic streets like Victoria Street.
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, you could try the Nelson Monument, Calton Hill – Dugald Stewart Monument loop from Easter Road Stadium, which offers a pleasant circular experience.
The Northfield/Willowbrae area is enjoyable for urban hiking year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, many accessible paths remain suitable for walks, though conditions can be cooler.
While many routes are easy, there are options for those seeking a greater challenge. The Duddingston Loch – Portobello Beach loop from Southside is a more difficult, longer route, covering nearly 29 km with significant elevation changes.
The komoot community highly rates the urban hiking experiences here, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the blend of natural beauty with city landmarks, the accessible paths, and the rewarding panoramic views.
Yes, you can find urban walks that lead towards the coast. The Quiet Side of Portobello Beach – Portobello High Street loop from Easter Road Stadium is an excellent option for enjoying seaside scenery within an urban context.
Absolutely. The View of Salisbury Crags – Cowgate loop from Easter Road Stadium is a great choice for experiencing the dramatic landscape of Salisbury Crags as part of your urban exploration.
Northfield/Willowbrae is well-integrated into Edinburgh's public transport network. Many urban trails are easily reachable by bus, allowing you to start your hike without needing a car. Specific route details often include information on nearby transport links.
Yes, the majority of urban hikes in Northfield/Willowbrae are rated as easy. A good starting point could be the Royal Mile – Edinburgh Castle loop from Edinburgh, which offers a relatively short distance and minimal elevation gain, perfect for those new to urban hiking.


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