The best open spaces to visit in Edinburgh and Glasgow without breaking the rules
Alison Campsie looks at places in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a spot of exercise and a little light relief as the Covid restrictions wear on
There are some lovely green pockets around Edinburgh and Glasgow where you can breath deep and get a little space from lockdown.
From urban forests to lesser-visited lochs, the built-up landscapes of both cities give way to some fine spots to enjoy a little pressure drop.
Restrictions are tight right now but we look at places within both city limits or those within the fivemile distance permitted for exercise to bring you a little light relief as lockdown wears on.
Capelaw Hill and Bonaly Reservoir just to the south of Edinburgh offers some nice open views.
You’ll get some new perspective as views of North Berwick Law and Bass Rock come into view as you make it to the top.
Lord Ancrum’s Wood near Newbattle is full of interesting curios, including an ice house and a cavern known as the ‘Priest’s Hole’, with the forest a perfect place to lose yourself for an hour or two.
The Cammo Estate offers 100 acres of woods, glades and grassland which should help to shake off the lockdown blues. Badgers, tawny owls and buzzards are to make their home here.
Not far away at Pepper Wood at Kirkliston, a little circular path will take you through is a small area of broadleaved woodland where ash, oak and wych elm meet to offer a lovely, calming experience.
Over west in Glasgow, there are plenty of places within the city limits to stretch the legs and get some headspace.
Frankfield Loch, which lies just north of Ruchazie, covers 120 acres of marshland, wet woodland and wildflower meadows.
It sits just east of Hogganfield Loch and Local Nature Reserve where wintering water birds such as whooper swan and goldeneye duck can be seen.
Bishop Loch on the edge of Easterhouse has long been a peaceful haven, treasured since the Bishops of Glasgow retreated here 700 years ago. Watch for roe deer and foxes amongst the trees.
Further west and you’ll find Garscadden Woods, one of the oldest woodlands in the city that goes at least as far back as 1795 with the route of the Antonine Wall to the north.
Lying to the south east of the city, 40 hectares of mature woodlands come together at Castlemilk Park. We might just appreciate these places all the more right now.