Tag Archives: Walks

Walking Calder East in West Lothian, The Shale Trail.

It has been a while. After starting the year with so much energy, I have slowed down a little. Okay, a lot. I had a few challenges to attend and have since regrouped. I like to think I’m back!

Last week I went on two group walks. One was titled “a Mystery Walk!”. It seemed fitting that I should join it. We ended up in East Calder, walking along the Shale Trail. Once the location of a bustling oil site, now a rejuvenated trail.

It was a revelation to me. I was unaware of the history and location until this walk. This was the location of the first commercial oil works in the world.

Once a collection of mines and oil refineries, manufacturing products from paraffin oil and candles to petrol. It operated for just over 100 years, closing in 1960. A mystery no more.

The trail runs along the Almond river valley. Tranquil and scenic.

Passing the viaduct and the covered bridge.

Even on an overcast day, this once industrial site, makes for a very pleasant and therapeutic hike.

Streets with Two Names in Edinburgh

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A quirky occurrence in the Bonnie capital is that many streets have two names!

For the newcomer and visitors to the city, this can be so confusing.

As I passed a few of those streets this week, I could not help but smile as it continues to challenge my logic but accept it is one of those things that makes the city, Edinburgh! 😀

A Short Walk Around St Margaret’s Loch

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Summer has crept up upon us and my walks have been few. So I was determined this morning to get out there. My default walk is Holyrood Park in Edinburgh and I love entering it via Croft-an-Righ, a 16th Century Gardener house.

As I passed the palace, I decided to spend the time walking around St Margaret’s Loch.

Once a marshy path, now a delightful pond. Home to countless swans and ducks, overlooked by the ruins of St Anthony’s chapel. Together with Dunsapie loch, this loch is a man-made loch, built upon Prince Albert’s request in 1856, as part of his beautification project of the royal grounds.

St Anthony’s Chapel looking over St Margaret’s Loch

There is something very mysterious about the relationship between St Anthony’s chapel and the loch. The look and feel changes with the weather. Given that this is Scotland, this means the prospect changes daily 😂

The many prospects of St Margaret’s Loch

In addition to savouring the loch, a walk along its path provides delightful views of the grounds and the city centre. Yes, it is time to get out there more!

Circus Lane in Edinburgh

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One of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh is Circus Lane in Stockbridge Edinburgh.

It is such a pretty lane. You cannot help but pull out your camera as you stroll this quaint and picturesque street.

However, it was not always the case. It has such an interesting history Originally, the lane was the dwelling for horses (stables) and for those that served the neighbouring affluent residents of New Town Royal Circus (1760). In the early 1900s, it was a somewhat rundown neighbourhood.

In the mid 1900s the lane went through several transformations as the residents took pride and ownership of its beautification. They did a great job.

So if you do get a chance to walk this lane, don’t forget to give a respectful nod to the residents while enjoying the fruits of their continued effort.

Lots of Rain means Lots of Green in the Capital

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Well the Scottish capital has seen a lot a rain this month. I think more than usual.

The Parish Church of St Cuthbert, Princes Street

As a result, Edinburgh is so green!

There may not be many flowers but there is something to be said for being surrounded by nature when you are in the middle of the city.

It makes for a such a delightful city stroll

The rain has definitely worked its magic.

Panoramic views from Blackford Hill in Edinburgh

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I just realised that I did not post my little adventure to Blackford Hill in Edinburgh which I did at the end of March.

It had been a while since I visited and I knew that I always enjoy the views from there. So I walked via Morningside and the Grange to Blackford.

It is a gentle climb up the hill and as well as seeing the lovely architecture of the Royal Observatory, it rewards you with amazing views of the city.