5 Breathtaking Pub Walks To Take In Edinburgh

    Walks = good. Boozy walks = better. H/T CAMRA's Edinburgh Pub Walks.

    1. The Canongate via Abbeyhill to Duddingston.

    Start at Tron Square.

    First pub stop: Tollbooth Tavern.

    This historic tavern is part of the 1591 Canongate Tollbooth building. It's rumoured to be haunted by a spirit that knocks over drinks, so hang on to your Three Hop Lager.

    Carry on downhill towards Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament building.

    After taking in the sights, follow the road as it winds past parliament and the palace gates, and hop on to the red footpath that takes you into Holyrood Park for an uphill stroll through the park towards Arthur's Seat.

    Second pub stop: The Auld Hoose.

    Carry on along Queen's Drive until you see a set of steps leading up to your right. Head up them to St Leonard's Street and The Auld Hoose, a friendly bar with a wide selection of draught beers and the biggest nachos in Edinburgh.

    Carry on towards Arthur's Seat.

    If you go left, follow this route to Duddingston.

    You might want to swing by Dunsapie Loch on the way, or if you're not a fan of swans just head straight to the pub.

    Third pub stop: The Sheep Heid Inn.

    It's claimed that there has been a pub on this spot in the village of Duddingston since 1360, which if true makes it almost certainly the oldest in Edinburgh, possibly Scotland. As well as serving a good range of draught and bottled beers, it also has its own skittle alley .

    2. Dean Village to Canonmills via the Botanic Gardens.

    Start at Dean Village.

    Hop on to the stunning Water of Leith walkway and follow this route to Stockbridge. Take in the views of the Dean Village (a World Heritage Site) as you go and consider grabbing a charity shop bargain on the way.

    First pub stop: The Stockbridge Tap.

    This Campaign for Real Ale pub of the year has five guest casks, two house ales, and over 20 gins. They're happy for you to taste before you buy, and it's also dog friendly. If you're feeling bold, why not try some chili stout?

    Then head to the Botanic Gardens.

    Second pub stop: The Orchard.

    When you pop out of the garden's East Gate, you won't be far from this gorgeous, airy Canonmills bar and restaurant that does a great range of draught beers and food. The salmon fishcakes are a particular treat.

    Stroll through the New Town towards Circus Lane.

    The next (short) stage of your walk takes you through the best of the New Town. Take a left when leaving the Orchard Bar and follow this route through King George V park, along Royal Crescent and Cumberland Street to end up back in Stockbridge.

    Third pub stop: The Antiquary

    Take a quick look at the impossibly cute Circus Lane, then head to The Antiquary: a cavernous basement bar with a good selection of real ales, and a cocktail menu if you fancy something a bit more cheeky.

    3. The best of Leith.

    Start at Trinity House.

    First pub stop: Malt and Hops.

    From Constitution Street, turn left on to Bernard Street towards The Shore, where you'll find this atmospheric, green-painted pub that dates back to 1749. They have a range of rare ales and one-off brews you won't find anywhere else.

    From there, head towards Leith Docks.

    Second pub stop: Teuchter's Landing.

    This hidden gem used to be the Edinburgh-to-Aberdeen ferry terminal, and has a floating pontoon area where you can sit outside on a warm day, a huge range of whiskies, and a "mug menu" serving up haggis, stovies, and hearty stews.

    After that, head back along The Shore.

    Third pub stop: V Deep.

    At the end of your stroll you'll find V Deep, which bills itself as Scotland's first communal craft beer and curry bar. The brainchild of comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli, it serves unusual craft ales (including a cardamom-laced "Vindabrew") as well as Indian treats like the salted pomegranate lassi, and a gorgeous garam masala spiced cauliflower cheese.

    4. Inveresk to Prestonpans via Musselburgh.

    Start at Inveresk Lodge Garden.

    This beautiful garden is run by the National Trust for Scotland. It's tucked away behind stone walls in the charming village of Inveresk near Musselburgh, and it's well worth having a stroll around before you start your walk.

    First pub stop: Staggs.

    An 18-minute stroll from Inveresk Village takes you to the Volunteer Arms, also known as Staggs, in Musselburgh. It's a friendly bar full of interesting beers (try the Oakham Green Devil), and it won the Lothian CAMRA Pub of the Year award in 2015.

    Then take a coastal stroll along the John Muir Way.

    Second pub stop: Levenhall Arms.

    Levenhall Arms is a friendly and traditional two-room pub right beside Musselburgh Old Course Golf Club. As well as a good range of beers, you can also get a tasty lunch from the Indian restaurant (now called Levenhall Coriander) that shares the building.

    Turn left out of the pub and head back towards the John Muir Way.

    Third pub stop: The Goth .

    This listed pub isn't full of teenagers in white make-up: It's actually named after the Swedish city of Gothenburg and is part of a historic movement of the same name where part of the bar profits are donated to community projects, so you can feel particularly virtuous while watching the sun set over the sea with a pint of Gothenburg Porter, made on-site in their microbrewery.

    5. The Braid Hills via Mortonhall to Morningside

    Start at Tower Farm Riding Stables.

    This pretty riding centre is just a short bus ride from the city centre: Lothian buses 7, 37, and 47 all stop nearby. From the entrance, follow this route along a red sandy bridlepath uphill, enjoying the view of Edinburgh as you go.

    First pub stop: The Stable Bar and Restaurant.

    This big country pub used to be the stable block of the historic Mortonhall House, and is a great place for a pit stop. It sells a huge range of whiskies and has a fire, cosy sofas, and a wide range of real ales on tap.

    Head back to the path for a downhill stroll through the Braids.

    Second pub stop: Buckstone Pub and Kitchen

    You'll be a bit peckish after walking for nearly an hour; the good news is this stylish pub beside the Braids has a great range of food including fish and chips, and coriander chicken, which you can wash down with some Greene King IPA.

    Head towards Morningside via Braid Road.

    Third pub stop: Bennets of Morningside.

    Don't get confused and end up at Bennet's Bar in Tollcross: You'll be walking for ages if you do. This cosy, traditional bar is much closer. They have real ale available on tap, and cider if you fancy something more refreshing. You've earned it, after all.