Blackford Hill and the Braid Hills Circular
Edinburgh
Blackford Hill and the Braid Hills is a brilliantly dog friendly circular walk through one of Edinburgh's finest local nature reserves. The route winds through the ancient woodland of the Hermitage of Braid before climbing Blackford Hill for panoramic views across the city to Arthur's Seat, the Pentlands and the Firth of Forth.
Dogs love the wooded gorge of the Hermitage, where the Braid Burn provides plenty of splashing opportunities. Off lead is possible across most of the route, though paths can be muddy after rain and are shared with other walkers and occasional horse riders. There are no facilities directly on the route, but Morningside Road is a short walk away with plenty of cafes. Parking is limited to a few spaces on Braid Road; arriving by bus is the easiest option.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- None directly on route; cafes and shops on Morningside Road a short walk away.
- Parking
- Very limited on-street parking on Braid Road; public transport recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blackford Hill and the Braid Hills Circular dog friendly?
Blackford Hill and the Braid Hills Circular scores a strong 8.5 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of Edinburgh's better options for a day out with your dog. The route passes through the Hermitage of Braid nature reserve, where the wooded gorge and the Braid Burn give dogs plenty to explore and splash about in.
Can dogs be off lead at Blackford Hill and the Braid Hills Circular?
Off lead is possible across most of the route, so your dog should have plenty of freedom to roam. That said, the paths are shared with other walkers and occasional horse riders, so it's worth keeping that in mind and having a reliable recall handy.
What should I know before visiting Blackford Hill and the Braid Hills Circular with my dog?
The paths can get muddy after rain, so it's worth bringing a towel or car blanket if your dog is a keen puddle-seeker. There are no facilities directly on the route, but Morningside Road is a short walk away with cafes nearby. Parking is very limited on Braid Road, so arriving by public transport is the easier option.
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