Tag Archives: Nature

Blossom Season 2024 in Edinburgh

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Edinburgh is all blossoms. It’s a blossomfest! Right now!

Hues of pink, and white (and a little pastel yellow) everywhere. It is that time when everyone is a photographer and of course, I had to join the street party. I think I covered a lot of ground. Let me show you…..

The Meadows

I think everyone visits The Meadows for a magical dose of cherry blossoms and this year was not any different. The crowds were certainly out and the blossoms were on full show. I think a lot people in the city has a pic or two of the blossoms here.

Bruntsfield Links

I also took the opportunity to stroll its neighbour, Bruntsfield Links. It really is a delightful area this time of year.

Princes Street / City Centre

Princes Street always takes centre stage in the city centre and without a doubt, it is another popular spot for appreciating these delicate pink flowers. You cannot miss the lined streets of blossoms sheltering those who pass by or wait for their next bus ride.

Princes Street

I recently posted pics of Princess Street Gardens but I thought this post would not be complete if I did not give a nod to the blossoms in the city centre’s famous garden. It is magical this time of year. I was met with an array of Spring colours.

Princes Street Gardens and St Cuthbert

Holyrood

Now, what about Holyrood? I rarely see blossom pics of Holyrood Park. Spring blossoms are an additional bonus when hiking the hills. I love experiencing the change in seasons in this park. It is a feast for the eyes on any given day. But somehow, Spring blossoms adds a delightful dash of colour in a sea of green.

The elevated views are amazing. Dotted shades of pink amid the fresh greens of new growth. Breathtaking. It was well worth the visit.

I also went to a handful of the city’s nearby neighbourhoods: Leith, Seafield, Abbeyhill and Old Town

Leith and Seafield

A walk through Leith and Seafield did not disappoint. Many homes have wonderful trees and blooms in their front yards and the neighbouring trails and parks were delightful.

Abbey Hill

Abbey Hill’s streets were also lined with mostly white blooms. At least the areas I visited. It is amazing how the addition of flowering trees changes the feel of a place.

Old Town

A walk around Canongate and Grassmarket are always a treat. Many iconic buildings were framed with Mother Nature’s delights.

Canongate and Dunbar Close garden

Grassmarket

I definitely quenched my blossom thirst. I hope I did the same for you.

© The Scottish Pearl 2024

Reflections on The Shore

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The Shore in Leith. I think taking a photo of the reflection of the Shore where the Leith River ends is a popular capture. I have seen it countless times. It is addictive.

As I walked the shoreline, I would often whip out my camera to take the shot. Each time I did this, I swore the reflection was close to perfection. So without fail, here is another pic of the shoreline.

However this time, I decided to walk the Water of Leith Walkway and take a few more pics of another reflection and the wooded path.

Along the riverbank of the walkway

The reflections were darker but still intriguing. These shots are rarely taken and shared.

I continued the walk along the river for a short stretch. Spring has definitely arrived.

I do enjoy walking these paths. I have yet to tire of its surroundings. The city provides so many green spaces that we can enjoy. We are lucky to have that.

© The Scottish Pearl 2024

The Year Begins in Spring!

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It’s been a slow start to the year. A really slow start for me. But back l am. I will try to catch up with a few pics from earlier this year in upcoming posts.

This post however will be about Spring in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh. It is such a wonderful time of the year.

It’s the burst of colour. It is new and fresh following a starved winter. It is rejuvenating. I think the gardens looks like a painting. I can never take enough pics to capture the moment. Hope you can enjoy this sampling.

© The Scottish Pearl 2024

Holyrood Park to Dr Neil’s Garden

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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

A Day Spent at the Pretty Village of Luss

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First of all, I picked a great day to visit Luss. The weather was perfect! And the ride over was lovely. I was particularly enchanted by the view of the ride to Glasgow.

On the way to Glasgow, passing Burnside

A year ago I made a short stop at Luss, It was a little peek into the village. This day trip was to spend some quality time by the water. This pretty village is located within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in the Argyll and Bute region. Specifically on the western shore of Loch Lomond.

As I hopped off the bus and passed the Loch Lomond Arms hotel, I could see the village.

Loch Lomond Arms Hotel

The main street to the village is adorned with quaint pretty cottages and shops. I could not help but think that there must be a code in the village. All the cottages had well maintained flower pots and gardens. It was all picture-perfect. Not a rebel between them and hence my thought.

Luss Village Homes and Shops

I walked through the homes and shops, with one thought in mind. The water. The road led me to the primary pier, the Luss Pier. I was surprised at how busy it was. I don’t know why I was surprised as it is a popular spot but as I decided to visit on a weekday, I had assumed there would be fewer people present. I was wrong. I guess a lot of people were on holiday.

Loch Lomond at Luss Village

Loch Lomond is beautiful. I have visited the loch a few times but at different access points and each time the loch has been stunning. Today it felt like the playground for children and adults alike. I think many visitors were relatively local, mainly from Glasgow. It makes sense that this would be their summer playground. Having said that many visitors were also present from beyond that geographical scope.

Loch Lomond at Luss Village

In between short spurts of reading, I did a lot of water-watching, hill-watching and people-watching . I wondered about the history of the place which led me to look it up. I found the following:

Around 1,500 years ago, an Irish missionary, St Kessog, arrived at Loch Lomond, bringing Christianity to the area. At the time Luss was called Clachan Dhu (the dark village) because it lay in the shadow of the surrounding hills. St Kessog was martyred and his body embalmed with sweet herbs. Legend has it that the herbs grew and covered his grave, providing a new name for the village – lus is Gaelic for herb. The present church was built in 1875 but the graveyard is much older. The earliest stones date from the 7th or 8th century and includes an 11th century Viking hogback grave. Inside there’s a lovely ceiling made from Scots pine rafters and some beautiful Victorian stained-glass windows.

[From Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Website]

I found the history intriguing. I love names that have meaning. “Lus” means herb; this was my learning point of the day.

After spending time on the water, it was time to walk the woods. I wanted to learn more about the church and adjacent footpaths.

Luss Parish Church Grounds

The grounds from the water to the woods of the church grounds were lovely. A lush setting and a tranquil trail. Perfect. The burial grounds had a premium location, overlooking the loch. The church was built in 1875 and is dedicated to Saint Kessog.

It was all delightful.

Woods near Luss Village Parish Church

After a good walk, I decided that a reward was in order. Refreshments. Wine at the Loch Lomond Arms hotel on their patio. A fitting punctuation to the day.

© The Scottish Pearl 2023