Scotland has a small capital in terms of population home to under half a million. But the city of Edinburgh sprawls. On its northern edge lies Leith, a reinvigorated dock area, where trendy bars and eateries rub shoulders on the quayside. The longest-running of these is the Waterfront Wine Bar known for inventive home-cooked meals. A couple of miles to the west of Leith you find Newhaven Harbour. It opens on to the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh’s wide estuary. From this fishing harbor you can take seafaris and birdwatching cruises. Puffins, skuas, red-throated divers and kittiwakes on the list of feathered friends. The hauntingly atmospheric island of Inchcolm with its 12th century ruined Abbey can be reached, too, by ferry from Newhaven.
Staying on land, alternatively, one can venture approximately four miles west to arrive at delightful Cramond with its River Almond walks. From the shore, taking care to observe the times of low tide, the causeway leading to Cramond Island can be walked. About a mile long, it takes the intrepid ambler to this small uninhabited island with its World War Two fortifications.
Moving a little closer to town, but remaining within the north-west part of the city, little-known Dean Village gives a fascinating insight into the days of mill communities on the River of Leith. A very deep and narrow valley, it contains interesting architecture. The river path gives an impressive first view of Dean Bridge, built in 1833 by Thomas Telford.
Edinburgh’s other less focused-on treasures include the Scottish Parliament Building at the eastern end of the city centre’s artery, the Royal Mile. Open Monday to Saturday, admission is free. The design (the work of Barcelona architect Enric Miralles) is either loved by visitors or loathed.
Once finished, you are just a stone’s throw from “Our Dynamic Earth” a celebrated multi-sensory time-travel experience which attempts to recreate the planet at key stages in its history.
Tags: Edinburgh, Leith, Royal Mile