A Walk Around The Braid Hills In Edinburgh – Your Complete Guide

Last Updated On 13th July 2021 By Lauren | Wild Lovely World

In this post, discover the beautiful Braid Hills in Edinburgh – a lovely spot for a walk.

Braid Hills is No. 3 in our Quick Guide to The Seven Hills of Edinburgh series. Check out the full series here: The Seven Hills Of Edinburgh: A Quick Guide

Quick Guide To The Braid Hills In Edinburgh

Summary Of The Braid Hills Walk

The Braid’s are, in a word, beautiful!

Relatively open in themselves, at 213m (699ft) they sit within a primarily residential area which is quiet and secluded. There is, however, a huge golf course along the top of this hill, which is great if you love golf but for walkers it can kind of get in the way.

Nevertheless, the main trail goes all the way around the hills by skirting the edge, so with the golf course being in the middle you only really need to cross over it once as you circle around the other side (at this stage there is also a little picnic table to stop for lunch).

The trail is also popular with pony trekkers and is a dirt track so can get quite muddy in places.

I advise to wear boots, or trainers if you stick to a sunny day when there’s been a few days of good weather.

• Distance: Around 4.5 km / 2.75 miles loop.
• Time: Around 1.5 hours at an easy, relaxed pace.
• Terrain: Relatively flat once on the path. The path can be quite muddy in places.
• Highlights: Beautiful views across Edinburgh. Vibrant gorse bushes.
• Dogs: A nice place to walk the dog. Be mindful of golf players and horses.
• Start: Braid Hills Golf Club, Braid Hills Approach.
• Finish: Braid Hills Golf Club, Braid Hills Approach.
• See below on how to get there.

How To Get To The Braid Hills In Edinburgh

A walk around the Braids can easily be combined with Blackford Hill as it is directly opposite.

• Everything You Need To Know About Blackford Hill

Bus: To get there, take the Lothian Bus services 11, 15 or 15A to Comiston Road and follow the Braid Hills Road and then Braid Hills Approach. Approach to the car park of the Braid Golf Club.

Car: There is public parking at the Braid Hills Golf Club.

Where To Start Your Braid Hills Walk

You can start the trail from the golf car park at the top of the Braid Hills Approach road and follow the signs to the left which read “Braid Farm Road Entrance”.

What You’ll See On The Braid Hills

The best thing about the Braids is that they covered with bright yellow gorse, which fills the air with that lovely sweet coconutty smell – yum!

In addition, there are great views panoramic views over the city, Blackford Hill, the Pentlands, Arthur’s Seat and all the way out to sea.

At The Top Of The Braid Hills

At the summit is a viewpoint area and also a sign pointing to all Seven Hills of Edinburgh, and all seven are visible from the top – neat! Having climbed all seven this is the only one I saw which has a sign like this.

There are also benches which makes a nice place to stop for a picnic.

Quick Guide To The Braid Hills

Braid Hills is No. 3 in our Quick Guide to The Seven Hills of Edinburgh series. Check out the full series here: The Seven Hills Of Edinburgh: A Quick Guide

Did you find this article useful? Let me know in the comments or join me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Buy me a coffee here!

Looking for more awesome stuff to do in Edinburgh? Check out these posts:

• 19 Best Coffee Shops & Cafes In Edinburgh Old Town
• Autumn In Edinburgh: The Best Places To See Colourful Leaves
• Taking Just Eat Cycles For A Spin – An Honest Review Of The Edinburgh Bike Hire Scheme
• Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fairs: What’s On [2023]
• The 5 Best Independent Coffee Shops In Edinburgh
• Calton Hill Guide: Easy Walk & Famous View Of Edinburgh
• 5 Reasons Why I Love Corstorphine Hill In Edinburgh
• Craiglockhart Hills – Quick Guide To A Short Walk In Edinburgh
• Castle Rock In Edinburgh – Everything You Need To Know
• A Walk Around The Braid Hills In Edinburgh – Your Complete Guide