Dress up warmly for the Silverknowes Esplanade, Edinburgh whatever the weather! You can always strip off layers, but it is very often windy.
Stretching from the outer edge of Granton all along the coast to Cramond Village, this long, wide pavement bordered with grass is highly accessible to wheels and feet, whether of the toddler or canine variety. It is a simply wonderful strip of wildish landscape. Best accessed by bicycle from EZ Bike (7 Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH6 4LJ 11:00–16:00) or Lothian bus (#29), you can leave your car part-way along the West Shore Road / Marine Drive.
What does Silverknowes Esplanade offer? Why, sea-paddling, sand running, bird-watching, rock pooling, grand house admiring and oo-ing and aah-ing at the stately Scots Pines. Get away from the crowds and breathe deeply, I can guarantee that you will feel refreshed afterwards.
Gypsy Brae has extensive green turf and wooded sections, including slopes for kids to career over and hide in; Cramond Island can be walked to, barefoot over the beach during low tide, but will capture you if you’re not mindful of the time; and the Boardwalk Beach Club café and ice cream van will offer you refreshments when the weather is fair.
Watch the windsurfers’ antics and listen to the oystercatchers peep, try out the fitness contraptions, hike, or simply sit and watch the world go by on a bench or picnic table which is one of my favourite pastimes. If I have a hat, gloves and scarf on, that is!
