Edinburgh 'rural hike' praised

Edinburgh's rural fringes have been noted in a featured walk covered in an article for the Scotsman newspaper, which may prompt some to make sure they have their Teva shoes with them when they visit the city.

According to the paper, the circular route featuring Blackford and Braid Hills is five and-a-half miles in length, but contains just one short length of road.

In between it features the waters of Braid Burn, woodland, golf courses and the two hilltops themselves, each having a trig point and offering views for those keen to "marvel" at the other five hills the city is built on - including Arthur's Seat - plus the Pentland Hills.

The paper said it is "hard to believe" the route is in a capital city.

Glasgow contains no such hills within its boundaries, but from there it is easy to reach the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, which features more than 20 Munros.