New Year’s Day in Edinburgh has a very particular feel. The streets are quieter, the air is crisp, and after the excesses of Hogmanay there’s something deeply satisfying about getting outside for a proper winter walk. Whether you’re blowing away the cobwebs, walking off last night’s shortbread and whisky, or starting the year as you mean to go on, Edinburgh is blessed with brilliant walks that feel wild while still being close to home.
Below are some of the best winter walks in and around Edinburgh for New Year’s Day, with practical details on parking, what to look out for, and how to stay comfortable in cold weather. A recurring theme throughout: wrap up warm. I feel the cold really easily, but equally – dragging a teenager up a hill who has refused to dress in layers because… ‘fashion’ – I may be labouring this point. In winter, it’s always better to have to peel off a layer than to spend the walk frozen and miserable.
Good Winter Walks for New Year’s Day in Edinburgh
There’s something quietly lovely about New Year’s Day in Edinburgh. The city feels softer somehow: fewer cars, slower footsteps, and a sense that everyone has collectively decided to take a deep breath before the year properly begins. After the noise and sparkle of Hogmanay, heading out for a winter walk feels like exactly the right antidote.
Edinburgh is particularly generous when it comes to walks that feel restorative without requiring a full expedition. Below are some of my favourite New Year’s Day walks in and around the city – the kind that reward you with views, fresh air and a sense of perspective, as long as you remember to wrap up warmly. Layers are your friend. It’s always better to peel one off than to spend the walk cold and miserable.
Blackford Hill: Classic Views to Start the Year
Blackford Hill is one of the most popular New Year’s Day walks in Edinburgh, and for very good reason. It’s short, accessible, and rewards you with some of the best views in the city. We’ve been up a few times through December, and it’s a firm favourite of my son’s – also popular with trail runners, though he’s not quite in that category yet.
Why it’s great in winter
On a clear winter’s day, the view from the summit is spectacular. You can see across the city to Arthur’s Seat, the Pentland Hills, and even as far as the Firth of Forth. It’s a brilliant place to really take in the scale of Edinburgh. Frosty mornings often leave the grass sparkling, and the low winter sun makes for particularly beautiful photos.
Parking and access
There is free parking at the Hermitage of Braid car park on Braid Road. From here, you can head straight up Blackford Hill via a number of well-worn paths. If the car park is busy, on-street parking nearby is usually available.
What to look for
- Panoramic city views from the summit
- The Royal Observatory (a great talking point if you’re walking with children)
- Winter birds in the surrounding woodland
Practical tips
Paths can be muddy or icy in places, so good footwear is essential. I tend to wear my Merrells – a decent walking shoe rather than trainers. A warm hat and gloves make a big difference at the top, where it can be noticeably windier, but you’ll want to pause and take in the views.
Corstorphine Hill: Woodland Walks with a Wild Feel
Corstorphine Hill offers a more sheltered walk than some of Edinburgh’s open hills, making it ideal if the weather is cold or blustery on New Year’s Day. From some of the paths, you’ll even be able to hear the animals in the zoo, which can lead to some wonderfully imaginative conversations as you walk.
Why it’s great in winter
The mix of woodland and open viewpoints means you’re often protected from the wind, while still enjoying rewarding views over the city and towards the Forth. In winter, the bare trees give the woods a quiet, almost enchanted feel.
Parking and access
The most popular parking spot is the Corstorphine Hill car park off Clermiston Road. From here, several paths lead into the Local Nature Reserve.
What to look for
- Views towards Edinburgh Zoo and beyond
- Old WW2 gun emplacements hidden among the trees
- Squirrels and winter birds along the trails
Practical tips
This is a great walk for layering. Woodland sections can feel surprisingly mild, but exposed viewpoints are chilly. A waterproof outer layer is sensible even on a dry-looking day, and shoes with a bit of grip are a good idea as it can get muddy.
Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park: Iconic but Exposed
For many people, a New Year’s Day walk isn’t complete without Arthur’s Seat. It’s iconic, central, and offers a real sense of achievement to kick off the year.
Why it’s great in winter
Holyrood Park feels especially dramatic in winter, with frosty grass, dark skies and long shadows. You’re likely to be joined by tourists and locals alike, which makes it surprisingly sociable – it’s quite nice to wish a few strangers a happy new year as you pass.
Parking and access
Parking is available on Queen’s Drive, though spaces can fill quickly. Alternatively, start on foot from the city centre or nearby residential streets – or just get the bus.
What to look for
- Views over Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns
- Salisbury Crags looming above you
- Winter light over Duddingston and the Pentlands
Practical tips
Arthur’s Seat is very exposed. Even if it feels calm below, the wind at the top can be biting. Thermal layers, gloves and a windproof jacket are strongly recommended. If paths are icy, consider sticking to the lower routes around Holyrood Park instead.
Cramond and the River Almond: A Gentler Start
If hills feel like too much on New Year’s Day, a walk along the River Almond at Cramond is a calmer but equally rewarding option.
Why it’s great in winter
The river path is relatively flat and peaceful, with winter light reflecting off the water. It’s ideal for a gentle stroll, particularly if you’re walking with family or dogs.
Parking and access
There is parking near Cramond village, including around the Cramond Glebe Road area. Arrive early if the weather is good, as it’s a popular spot.
What to look for
- Winter birds along the riverbanks
- Views out to the Firth of Forth
- Cramond Island (best admired from afar unless you’ve carefully checked tide times)
Practical tips
Paths can be muddy after rain, so waterproof boots or shoes are helpful. A warm scarf makes river walks much more comfortable in cold air.
The Pentland Hills: A Proper Winter Walk
For those wanting something a little more adventurous on New Year’s Day, the Pentland Hills offer open landscapes and a real sense of escape. I’ve done a number of walks here with the kids, but a reasonable level of fitness is advisable, especially for the longer routes.
Why they’re great in winter
The Pentlands are particularly beautiful in winter, especially after frost or a light dusting of snow. The wide-open views and rolling hills make this feel like a genuine reset for the year ahead.
Parking and access
Popular starting points include Harlaw Reservoir and Flotterstone car park, both with good parking facilities. There are coffee spots nearby, but opening hours can be variable on New Year’s Day, so it’s wise to pack a snack.
What to look for
- Reservoirs edged with ice
- Snow-dusted hills
- Red kites and other birds of prey overhead
Practical tips
Weather can change quickly in the Pentlands. Check the forecast before you go, let someone know your route, and bring extra layers. This is a walk where being over-prepared is far better than under-dressed.
Winter Walking Advice: Wrap Up and Enjoy It
Whatever walk you choose on New Year’s Day in Edinburgh, winter preparation is key. Dress in layers: a warm base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof or windproof outer layer. Hats, gloves and sturdy footwear make all the difference.
The golden rule? Take your time, enjoy the fresh air, and start the new year with good views and rosy cheeks – but wrap up warm.
Edinburgh’s winter walks are one of the city’s greatest gifts, and New Year’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy them.
