Lifestyle Out and About Lothian Walks – Corstorphine Hill with John Davidson do not think I was on Corstor- viewpoint. (Erected 1871 by Wm McFie level until the steep ground rising from phine Hill for forty years – until of Clermiston; presented to the city in Murrayfi eld Golf Course. At this point the other day. However, it is 1932.) you can actually leave the hill by way of a a name of signifi cance for all The walk round the base of the hill is straight lane crossing the golf course to walkers and hillwalkers, being more demanding – about 6km, with some Ravelston Dykes but, if you keep to the Ian early case taken up by the “Association climbing. There are two prominent ac- zoo’s perimeter path, you will come to the for the Protection of Public Rights of cess points from the south, one from the grassy slope down to Corstorphine Road. Roadway in and around Edinburgh”.This angle of Kaimes Road and Corstorphine The fact that this lovely walk goes Society was founded in 1845 by some Road, the other by a gate directly opposite mainly over public rights of way is largely prominent citizens to oppose attempts Balgreen Road. That is what I did on my due to the efforts of the Scottish Rights to close off many paths and public rights recent visit. of Way & Access Society. It is worthy of of way in the area. These had reached Starting at Kaimes Road, 100m west the support of all who love walking in the alarming proportions by 1845 and the so- of Edinburgh Zoo, I went up (steeply) countryside. ciety has gone on to champion the cause to join the zoo’s perimeter fence at the If you would like to add some interest of public rights of access ever since. end of Old Kirk Road. (This might be a to your walk, there is a permanent orien- It is now the Scottish Rights of Way sort of safety net later; if you are unsure teering course on Corstorphine Hill. For & Access Society, with offi ces at 24, of your direction at any time, fi nd the maps and sample courses, contact Janet Annandale Street in Edinburgh, and still fence and follow it anti-clockwise to the Clark on 0131 225 7771. defending public rights of way through- entrance buildings or clockwise towards out Scotland. Thanks to the Society and Murrayfi eld Golf Course and the way out its Victorian, philanthropic aims we can to Balgreen Road.) Continuing uphill, still walk on Corstorphine Hill. Kaimes Road turns 90° left to become The hill hides its bulk well – 2.5km Cairnmuir Road. At this point you are no Dogwalkers’ Dream north-south, 1.5 max east-west, about more than 200m from Clermiston Tower. 6km all round the base and the whole But having climbed 80m, you may feel contrives to fi t in as an elegant backdrop like a rest and the prospect to the Pent- for housing lapping round its feet. Rising lands is magnifi cent. from fl attish west Edinburgh, it enjoys To continue the circular walk, you extensive views on all sides. should stay on Cairnmuir Road, then A visit to the top of the hill might follow Clermiston Road right to the make a pleasant Sunday afternoon stroll. traffi c lights at Queensferry Road. Here, Take the 26 or 86 bus to the terminus on right (towards the city) past the disused Clermiston Road. There are access points Barnton Quarry for about 300m. A all along this side and the prospect is green Rights of Way Society sign points more open. The bus takes care of nearly into the woods to a path heading back all the climbing! Unfortunately, Cler- eventually towards the start. The direc- miston Tower is permanently and securely tion is roughly south; the path stays just closed. It must have been a marvellous inside the woods. The going is easy and 52 Lothian Life Winter 2005 Lifestyle Out and About Western panorama Queensferry Road Barnton Quarry Silver BirchBirch aroundaround BarntonBarnton QuarQuarryry Glimpses to the NorthNorth Clermiston Road Ravelston Golf Course (Private) Clermiston Tower BeechwoodBeechwood FlooringFlooring Clermiston Tower Cairnmuir Road Kaimes Road Old Kirk Road Edinburgh Zoo (No access to hill) Corstorphine Road Lothian Life Winter 2005 5353.