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Country Parks & Nature Reserves in Edinburgh

Blackford Hill is the one to head for if you want green space without a car journey. Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill sits close to the centre, free to get into, with woodland paths, an orienteering course and a pond that usually has a few swans on it. Further out, Beecraigs Country Park in Linlithgow is a longer trip but worth it for a full day, also free, with a play area, cycling trails and a skills loop for bikes alongside miles of walking. For toddlers, Blackford Hill's paths are gentler and there's no admission to worry about. If your kids are older and want something to do on bikes, Beecraigs has the trails and the loop for that, plus enough walking to tire out teenagers as well as adults. Both are outdoor and free, so the choice really comes down to how far you fancy driving and whether bikes are coming with you. Parking is available at both.

✓ 3 places✦ 3 free to visit