Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill

Hermatige of Braid and Blackford Hill

There is always something to see in the woodland, along the Braid Burn or up on Blackford Hill. The high point of the year is May and June for the breeding season of the various woodland birds.

Species seen include Tits, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Nuthatch, Goldcrest, Woodpeckers, Grey and Yellow Wagtail, Heron, Sparrowhawk, Owls, Warblers, Buzzard, Kestrel and Nuthatch. The area tends to be very busy with families at the weekends. Blackford Pond has Swans, ducks, Little Grebe and gulls. A whole circuit walk is very enjoyable.

Accessible by bus  11, 15 and 16, from Princes Street, alight at Comiston Drive and walk up Braid Road to the entrance of the Hermitage. Alternatively bus number 9 from The Mound to Observatory Road. Buses 7, 37 and 47,  get off at Orchardhead Road. Walk up Blackford Glen Road. Fields on the left, Skylarks, bushes and trees on the right, Goldcrests.