Tag Archives: Walks

Discovering Pittenweem

I love discovering small hamlets and villages near the capital. Granted Pittenweem is still a fair distance but definitely doable in a day.

What a lovely village. I have since learned that the name is derived from Pictish and Scottish Gaelic. “Pit-” represents Pictish pett ‘place, portion of land’, and “-enweem” is Gaelic na h-Uaimh, ‘of the Caves’ in Gaelic, so “The Place of the Caves“!

I missed the caves but that gives me a reason to return in Spring. This fishing village has been in existence since the medieval period. As I made my way to the harbour, I passed the fish market where the daily catch is sold. It made me smile as it dawned on me that this scenario has most likely taken place for centuries. Amazing!

I loved meandering along with the multitude of alleyways that all seemed to meet at the harbour.

As I got closer to the harbour I was greeted by the local gulls. I was convinced that they smelt fresh food in the air 😆 They were singing for their lunch!

Even on that brisk, cold and windy day, it was a joy to be by the water in this village. As always I found the water therapeutic but on this occasion, the surroundings were also wonderfully picturesque.

A 360 view of Pittenweem Harbour

There was hardly anyone around which was perfect for me but then again, I was out and about in frigid temperatures wandering the eastern coast! So not surprising that visitors were few.

Stacked rocks found at the end of the harbour

At the end of the harbour, I found stacked rocks. While living in Canada I use to think of stacked rocks as a way of telling the next traveler “Hello” while pointing them to a safe course to continue their journey. I always found that comforting. Now as I roam Scotland, I have come to realise that these stacks are more commonplace than I had originally thought. Regardless, I still find them comforting. On this day, the stacked rocks marked a spot for my break! A great spot for my hot beverage and a bite to eat before making the journey home.

After my break, I slowly wandered back through the lanes and quaint stores for my return trip. I found the entire trip invigorating.

The Hidden Lane in Edinburgh

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I have walked this lane many times. It does not have a street name. However, it is a good shortcut from the Burns Monument (south of Regent Road) to Calton Road, or just to the east of Jacob’s Ladder.

Entrance to the lane located beside The Burns Monument, South of Regent Road.

Although this hidden lane has stairs, it is not as steep as those of Jacob’s Ladder. As a result, it is an easier alternative.

I personally like walking it. It’s like a secret passageway to my destination. In Spring it is quite pretty too!

As you reach the fork in the lane the views of Waverley and the Old Town are worth the stop.

Fork in the hidden lane to Calton Road or Jacob’s Ladder

Then as you continue south to Calton Road one has to be prepared for the stairs.

Again the stairs are not as steep as those of Jacob’s Ladder but there are quite a few of them.

I like discovering these “country lanes” in the middle of the city.

Walking to Edinburgh Marina

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I have gone to Granton in Edinburgh countless times but have never walked to the Marina! Why is that? So on this walk, I was on a mission to go there. It was a small goal but a goal nonetheless. LoL!

To get there, I decided to walk the old railway paths of which there are many. That is an adventure in itself ie making sure I was going in the right direction.

After walking through tunnels, bridges, and multiple paths, I finally reached Granton’s waterfront.

I took a leisurely walk along the coast of Wardie Bay. Usually my journey would end there.

However, I had my sights set on the Marina which I could see opposite the Granton coastline, by the pier.

So this time I continued until I ultimately reached Edinburgh Marina.

Even though it was somewhat overcast, the reflections were lovely. I was also intrigued by the presence of a canoe made from a single log!

I also chuckled by the lonesome seagull that seem to be on guard.

At this point of the walk, I did my normal thing. Found a seat, pulled out a flask and drank hot tea ☕️

Goal accomplished!

Let me know what you think in the comment section. I am always happy to hear from you.

Walking Corstorphine Hill

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I don’t know why I decided to walk to Corstorphine hill! It was really muddy but for some reason I did.

As I approached the hill I was surprised to see a crocus! A little out of place but there it was! A sign of more to come. Spring is coming.

View of the Pentlands near the entrance of Corstorphine Hill

I entered Corstorphine hill via Clermiston which in itself was quite the view. I could actually see the Pentlands.

I took the path that went around the perimeter of the hill. I attempted to go up the hill, but I was slipping and sliding all over the place and thought the better of it. So I kept to the perimeter.

My muddy boots, camera and make-shift hiking stick aka branch

So after making a make/shift hiking stick, I took a leisurely walk through the woods.

Midway I found that coveted seat with a view! I popped open my flask, sat down, and took in that scene.. I stayed there for quite some time. I eventually continued my walk.

I love fresh moss! There was plenty to enjoy on this path. It is so easy to understand how this forest could inspire tales of folklore. As I progressed, it was lovely to see snowdrops scattered throughout the forest floor.

The wild snowdrops topped my day.

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Kirkcaldy’s Waterfront

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On one of my “meanderings” I made a pit-stop at Kirkcaldy in Fife. As many communities on the Fife coast have amazing beaches, I was curious about this town’s waterfront. Perhaps not the best time to visit given it was January but off I went anyway.

Well, you tell me.

Granted it was dusk and so the sun was going down which added to the ambiance. I sat on the rocks to enjoy Mother Nature’s show with a flask of tea in hand.

Just beautiful! No matter how many photos I took, I felt I could not capture what I was seeing. I continue to be in awe of not only the beauty of this place but the sense of wonder that goes with it.

It sure was a great pit-stop!

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Tea at Dalkeith Country Estate

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It was time for a walk, so off I went.

I walked right onto a bus and just like that I found myself in front of Dalkeith Country Estate. LoL! Well having made the trip, it seemed fitting to treat myself to a cream scone and tea.

I took the short trail to Restoration Yard which constitutes “a walk”. Right?

As I made my way to the restaurant, I noticed Dalkeith Palace in the distance. It looked so picturesque.

I have to say, the grounds are delightful.

The trail to Restoration Yard took me through a small forest and stream. There is something about hearing running water this time of year. It is so calming.