We are the Biggar Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Martin F.
An opportunity to explore some of the greener parts of the south of Edinburgh. The route today will take you through the ancient woods of the Hermitage of Braid Gorge as well as the higher ground that extends north and south of this, namely Blackford Hill and the Braid Hills.
Our walk begins following hill paths and tracks that follow the contours of the lower flank of Blackford Hill. At Blackford Pond we then begin the gradual ascent of the hill leaving the Royal Observatory in our wake. The triangulation point at 164m provides views back to Arthurs Seat and the Firth of Forth in the distance. The hills value as a lookout was recognised by Edward I in 1295 and Oliver Cromwell in 1650 who both surveyed the city from camps pitched here. Sir Walter Scott's poem Marmion, the hero remembers his 'broomy' boyhood hilltop where 'murmur of the city crowd' and 'Saint Giles's mingling din' rose on 'breezes thin'.
We then descend past the observatory a 1896 replacement for the one on Carlton Hill, to a track that runs along the southern perimeter of Craigmillar Park Golf Club. Crossing fields, that can be claggy, we pass the 15th century Liberton Tower, which can be rented as self catering holiday accommodation. Crossing Braid Hills Drive we follow a track up to Wee Braids Golf Course that turns onto a well surfaced path that ascends to Buckstone Snab, the highest summit of the Braid Hills at 208m. 360-degree views of the largely open, gorse covered Braid Hills and woodland stretch out below you. On a clear day you will be treated with views over to Fife and the Pentland Hills.
Our walk now descends down the grassy slope to the Cormiston road before entering Braidburn Valley Park, a linear, managed park, that runs along the edge of a burn.
The final section of the route today follows the Braid Burn through the woods. We pass the Lodge Coffee House (open 9am - 3pm) following the path past an ornate doocot. Built in 1788, this kept the newly completed Hermitage House supplied with pigeon meat. From here we can pick a path through an open grassy area back to the car park.
I would advise the use of walking poles for the climbs of Blackford Hill and Buckstone Snab which though mildly strenuous can be a little slippery in wet or icy conditions.
Toilets are in short supply but there is one at the Lodge Coffee House, 69B Braid Rd, Edinburgh EH10 6JF. This will be a couple of hours into the walk.
Bring your own refreshments. We will pause on a couple of occasions to consume these.
Meet outside Biggar Corn Exchange
Start and Finish - Parking for around 10 cars at the bend on Hermitage Drive with Midmar Drive. If you are planning to make your own way to the starting point please advise.
