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Edinburgh Castle rises above rooftops and trees, seen from a grassy hillside
Edinburgh

Blackford Hill

Welcome

Blackford Hill is one of Edinburgh’s seven hills, around 2 miles south of the city centre.

The walk takes in the Hermitage of Braid and the climb up Blackford Hill, with views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Allow around an hour and a half for the walk. The Lodge Coffee House serves refreshments afterwards.

Close byThe Hermitage BarA pub in a curving corner building at the heart of Morningside, by the clock, with locally sourced food, live music and a quiz.2 min by roadSee itRows of beer taps line a pub bar with dark green cabinetry and wooden stools
Close by
  1. Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags rise above Edinburgh's rooftops under cloudy skiesBlackford Hill and the Braid HillsOne of Edinburgh's seven hills, rising above the wooded glen of the Hermitage of Braid, with the Royal Observatory's domes by its summit.Under a mile2 min by road
  2. The Canny Man’sThe Canny Man’sA Morningside pub founded in 1871 and kept by the same family ever since, its rooms crowded with curios, with a long list of whiskies.Under a mile3 min by road
  3. Shopfront of Rua, Home Gifts Accessories, at number 215 with window displays either sideRuaA gift shop on Morningside Road run by Cara and James, with their own cards alongside homewares, furniture and local makers' work.Under a mile3 min by road
  4. The Wild West in Springvalley GardensThe Wild West in Springvalley GardensA mock Wild West street hidden up a lane off Springvalley Gardens, built in the 1990s to sell furniture and left standing since.Under a mile3 min by road
  5. Dominion CinemaDominion Cinema1 mile4 min by road
Directions
Rows of beer taps line a pub bar with dark green cabinetry and wooden stoolsRestaurantsThe Hermitage Bar0.5 miles
Morningside Gallery lit at night, paintings in the window, traffic light trails passingAttractionsMorningside Gallery1.0 miles
Sandstone tower with copper dome at Edinburgh's City Observatory on Calton HillAttractionsStar Gaze at the Royal Observatory1.2 miles
Wooden shelf of books in a dimly lit café interiorAttractionsThe Edinburgh Bookshop1.2 miles
Metal tables and chairs outside Montpeliers Bruntsfield, with potted olive treesRestaurantsMontpeliers1.3 miles
Machina Coffee Roasters shopfront with espresso machine visible in the windowCafeMachina Coffee1.3 miles
Cyclists pass beneath autumn trees as low sun casts long shadows across the parkAttractionsThe Meadows1.5 miles
Castello Coffee Bruntsfield window lettering, espresso machine visible through the glassCafeCastello Coffee1.6 miles
Restaurant interior with dried flowers covering the ceiling and pendant lights above wooden tablesRestaurantsHendersons1.6 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near Blackford Hill, and when each is next free.

A turreted sandstone building with conical spires catches the evening light above rooftops, a large pine tree standing beside it.The Scott Hotel
  • A hotel
  • In Edinburgh
  • A mile from Blackford Hill
Check datesA round table and chairs stand before tall curtained windows looking onto stone buildings, a sofa and mounted television to the right.Moment George IV Bridge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Edinburgh
  • 2 miles from Blackford Hill
Check datesWest End Muse
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Edinburgh
  • 2 miles from Blackford Hill
Check datesA man walks past Bucken Booths entrance flanked by black lamp postsOld Town Chambers
  • To stay
  • In Edinburgh
  • 2 miles from Blackford Hill
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in EdinburghAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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