The Hermitage of Braid & Blackford Hill & Pond
69 Braid Road, Edinburgh EH10 6JF, Scotland
Nature Reserve
Relatively Unknown
A slice of nature, the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill and Pond has a wide range of natural habitats including woodland, scrubland, the Braid burn and grassland. The keen eye may even be lucky enough to spot a green woodpecker, otters, heron or some rabbits!
As ancient designated woodland the same trees have stood at the site for over 300 years. Steeped in history, the first recorded owner of the site was the son of a 12th century Belgian knight! Visitors can learn about the history of the site at the old Hermitage House which is now a visitor center.
Other attractions include the Ice House, a Doocot inside the Walled Garden, and the Royal Observatory. There is also a cafe situated at the Braid Road end of the site.
If nature walks are more your thing, the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill LNR might be for you. The 1.5 hour walk combines the best of the nature reserve and the views from Blackford Hill.
The site is accessible by various points however, if you are travelling from the center of the city the Charterhall Road entrance at the pond is probably best on a 41 bus!