Just south of the city you have the Pentland Hills, these are a range of hills rising to almost 2,000 feet in places and can be quite remote in places. The hills stretch from 16 miles from the outskirts of Edinburgh to Lanarkshire. There are many paths up the various summets and around the lochs. The hills offer a relatively painless climb and magnificent views once you reach the top.

 

About five miles north west of the city you have Laurinston Castle, a fine Edwardian country mansion set in lovely grounds overlooking the Firth of Forth. The interior contains collections of period furniture and antiques.

 

 

 

One mile further west is the lovely coastal village of Crammond, situated where the river Almond flows into the Firth. the 18th century village is the site of an ancient Roman fort, a large part of which has been excavated. In addition to the histoy of this village, Crammond also boasts a golf course, promonarde and a lovely wooded walk along the banks of the river Almond. If that wasn't enough there is also Crammond Island which can be reached by a rasied walkway when the tide is out, just make sure you have looked at the tide times before heading out or you may find yourself stuck on the island for longer than planned.

A local passenger ferry also operates (closed Fridays) between here, and from the other side of the river it's a two mile walk to Dalmeny House, the home of the Earl of Rosebery for over 300 years. Dalmeny house can also be reached by a bus from Saint Andrews Square to Chapel gate one mile from the house, driving eight miles west of Edinburgh on the A90 and then the B924, or taking a train which stops in the village.

 

The little village of Roslin lies seven miles south of Edinburgh and is home to the myserious 15th century Rosslyn Chapel. Situated above the North Esk, the chapel represents a richly carved interior of Biblical representations and pagan symbols. Foundations were laid in 1446 for a much larger chapel that was never built and what we see today is the lady chapel, inspiration of Sir William Sinclair. one of the most facinating sights in the church is the Prentice pillar.

Speculation as to the purpose of the chapel dwells on estoric secrets and recent books which the holy grail, supposedly brought from the East by the Knights Templar, is buried here. Once you have seen the chapel there are some plesant walks in Roslin glen.

 

South Queensferry with buses 43 or 47 from Saint Andrews Square, gets it's name from 11th century Queen Margaret who used the town as her crossing point during her trips between her palaces in Edinburgh and Dunfermline. The town's narrow main street is lined with picturesque old buildings. If you fancy a drink then why not try the historic Hawes Inn, which featured in Steavensons Kidnapped.

The town is dominated by the two great bridges of the Forth which tower overhead. Th rail bridge was constructed in 1883-90 and the road bridge was constructed in 1958-64 and is open to pedestrians for walking across and it is well worth walking across for the views. From Hawes pier you can take a variety of pleasure boat cruises on the Forth with the oppertunity to see dolphins and seals.

 

 

 

 

 

Hopetoun house sits two miles west of South Queensferry which deserves it's title of "Scotlands finst stately home". Set in 100 acres of lovely parkland, including the red deer park, the house is the epitome of aristocratic grandeur. The oldest part of the house was designed by William Bruce and built in 1699. In 1721 William Adam staring enlarging the house and adding the grand state apartments. it was built for the Earls of Hopetoun and part of the house is stil lived in by the Marquess of Linlithgow and his family. It is open daily between April and September, with entrance costing £5.30 for an adult and £2.70 for a child.