A walk that I have done countless times but it has been a while since I checked it out. However, this time I intended to spend more time at Dr. Neil’s garden in Duddingston. So off I went to walk Holyrood Park. I love cutting through the St Leonard’s area of the park. This affords a wonderful view of Calton Hill and St James centre. It is also a great spot to have a coffee break. There has not been a time when I have stopped here that I have not felt really lucky that Edinburgh has this wonderful green space for all to enjoy. It is amazing to me that this is the capital of Scotland and yet I feel like I am in the middle of the countryside when I walk this trail.

_{View from St Leonard’s, Holyrood Park}

I continued the walk via St Leonards and along Pollock Halls area. I did a small detour to the woods that led to the Innocent Railway Path.

^{Entrance to the Innocent Railway Pathway}

I felt so small against the backdrop of the hills. It is a good reminder of one’s insignificance in the grand scheme of things LOL! I meandered through the woods and climbed the stairs back to the path that would lead me to Duddingston village.

As I walked I could see the Innocent Railway Path [now below me] and Duddingston Loch. These views never disappoint.

^{Views walking towards Duddingston Village}

I arrived at Duddingston freshwater loch. I always stop here to say hello to the family of ducks and swans.

_{Duddingston freshwater Loch}

Then I made my way to Dr. Neil’s garden.

Confession: as I was writing this blog post, I realised that I did not have a photo of Dr. Neil’s garden gate. As a result, this post was paused for a while as I made a second trip to get that pic. So the following photos are a combination of Spring and Autumn blooms.

^{Entrance to Dr. Neil’s Garden}

Entering Dr. Neil’s Garden is always such a delight. It is a hidden gem located in this small village. I think it is perfectly described on their website. It shares the following:

Dr Neil’s Garden is one of the most remarkable gardens in Scotland today. Lying next to the twelfth-century Duddingston Kirk, where the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat meet Duddingston Loch, this secluded garden is the result of the imagination, dedication and sheer hard work of Drs. Andrew and Nancy Neil. It has sometimes been called Edinburgh’s Secret Garden. Many people find it more than a mere garden. This spot has been a place of inspiration (artistic, literary, and spiritual) as well as for meditation and contemplation, even before the garden was created.

_{Views of Dr. Neil’s Garden}

It truly is a sanctuary. A small slice of heaven. I think all visitors love the seat that looks out onto the loch. It is the perfect spot to lose oneself. The views are calming. I probably took way too many photos. I wish my garden looked just like this.

_{Views of Dr. Neil’s Garden}

I spent hours there; for each visit.

_{Views of Dr. Neil’s Garden}

After drinking in the garden’s ambience, I decided to walk the return trip via Meadowfield Park. This community has great views of the water.

_{View from Meadowfield Drive}

Upon returning I passed by St Margaret’s Loch to visit the local residents LOL!

It is a rewarding spot regardless of the time of the year. I think it is the way the sun plays on the water that keeps you transfixed to the area.

Another lovely walk in the city. Edinburgh is full of gems like these.

© The Scottish Pearl 2023