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United Kingdom

Scotland

Lothian

Edinburgh

Morningside

View of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill

Discover

Places to see

United Kingdom

Scotland

Lothian

Edinburgh

Morningside

View of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill

Recommended by 54 hikers out of 56

One of Edinburgh’s famous seven hills, hiking up Blackford Hill provides the opportunity to see the entire capital laid out before your eyes. Like much of the city, this is …

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Location: Morningside, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to View of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill

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1. The Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill & the Hermitage of Braid loop — Edinburgh

2.94km

00:49

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.8

(13)

173

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2. Scott Monument – Nelson Monument on Calton Hill loop from Dean Village

29.6km

08:23

600m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Expert

4.0

(2)

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3. Hermitage of Braid House – Royal Observatory, Edinburgh loop from Buckstone

9.30km

02:35

170m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Beyond the Horizon

February 2, 2024

Blackford Hill, at 164 meters high, is an unmissable natural highlight in Edinburgh. Situated between Morningside and the Braid Hills, this hill offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Edinburgh skyline, including the iconic Arthur's Seat and the picturesque east coast. For hikers, walkers and nature lovers, Blackford Hill is a perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying Edinburgh's charms from a unique perspective.

The climb up Blackford Hill is relatively easy and accessible to people of all fitness levels. The peaks are reached via a variety of trails that lead through the picturesque landscape of the 60.3 hectare Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Nature Reserve. This area, which also includes Hermitage House, is a true gem for nature lovers and, in addition to the spectacular views, offers a wealth of flora and fauna as well as numerous bird species that can be observed here.

There's really no wrong time to visit Blackford Hill. Each season offers a unique experience - from the fresh green of spring to the warm colors of autumn to the quiet beauty of winter. However, a visit at sunrise or sunset is particularly magical, when the light bathes the city and surrounding landscapes in a golden or pink glow.

As far as equipment is concerned, sturdy shoes are recommended due to the partly uneven paths. It can also be quite windy at the summit, so a windproof jacket is recommended, especially outside the summer months. Binoculars can also be useful for enjoying birdlife or detailed city views.

Not only is Blackford Hill a fantastic place for a hike or picnic, but it is also a wonderful spot for photography enthusiasts who want to capture the beauty of Edinburgh.

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Derek Christie 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

July 14, 2020

One of the best views of the Edinburgh skyline.

Ziggy 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏳️‍🌈

February 24, 2022

Great views of Edinburgh and Arthur Seat as well as east coast. Not too hard to get to

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Details

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Elevation 150 m

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Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

yes

Dog Friendly

yes

Weather

Today

Tuesday 23 September

14°C

6°C

0 %

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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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Location: Morningside, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, United Kingdom

View of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill

1. The Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill & the Hermitage of Braid loop — Edinburgh

2. Scott Monument – Nelson Monument on Calton Hill loop from Dean Village

3. Hermitage of Braid House – Royal Observatory, Edinburgh loop from Buckstone

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