To get into a more optimistic mood, I took a trip to the Northern part of town, intending to revisit the Water of Leith walkway and possibly making a stop at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Was glad I took a time-out from medieval doom and gloom. Had a very relaxing and enjoying afternoon, getting "in touch" with nature. It's quite amazing to know that these beauty spots in Edinburgh are just a stone's throw away from the main city centre - fairly accessible.
Some highlights of my afternoon:
1. Water of Leith: Dean Village to Stockbridge
An instance where my first impressions were right: the Water of Leith is gorgeous and totally worth a walk. I entered the walkway via Belford Road at Dean village and took the direction toward Leith. Didn't complete the entire route though - I exited somewhere along Saunders Street in Stockbridge.
Nevertheless, it was a very pleasant walk - almost...rejuvenating I would say? The route is peaceful and scenic, leading you past the banks of the River, and up through pathways which are bordered by picturesque residences and interesting structures here and there. Perfect for a contemplative afternoon or when you just need some peace to sort out your thoughts.
Other people gravitate to the Water of Leith as well - joggers, cyclists...and even a man in a business suit who had escaped to the river for a quiet lunch, whilst admiring the fauna along the river bank. He looked so pleased and content munching on his sandwich, that I couldn't help but smile myself.
Altogether a lovely place. There are some benches along the walkway (though not a whole lot) - perfect to sit down, rest your feet and just indulge in a bit of quiet 'me' time.
2. Lunch at Herbies of Edinburgh
Felt a bit peckish after my walk, and randomly headed for the nicest looking place I could find. This turned out to be Herbie of Edinburgh situated along Northwest Circus Place (New Town). Herbie combines a small cafe with a food store selling a variety of attractive produce including olive oils, meats (Iberian ham!), bread, jams and other preserves. It's delicious even to look at.
I ordered a rare roast beef with harissa mayonnaise wrap, priced at 4.95 pounds. The portion isn't very big although it comes with a decent sized salad. However it does taste really good - the beef is thinly sliced and extremely tender. So tender it melts in your mouth. The harissa mayonnaise complements it well.
Nice place to have a bite to eat with your girlfriends, or your mum. The service is polite, if not exactly warm. A tad uppity perhaps.
3. Inverleith Park
Found myself within Inverleith park after lunch. In particular, I was very taken by the lake, and its rather largish and charming population of pure white swans. Beautiful to look at really.
The lake is situated at the trough of a large gently sloping field - I loved this! It's the perfect place to lie down (because you're on a comfortable incline) and just relax. Also, you get a good view of the New Town skyline and the adjacent sports field which, on the day I went, was being used by a men's rugby team for practice. Fantastic place to just unwind with a cold drink in hand.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens
The botanic gardens are situated just next to Inverleith park. It's really pretty and I do recommend you make the trip down. In particular, I liked the 'themed' gardens within the park. I saw one dedicated to alpine flora and fauna, and another to Chinese plant varieties which was quite interesting. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and are a pleasure to behold.
The Alpine garden
The Chinese Garden
The gardens seem to be popular with families and young children, in addition to people around my age. Quite a few visitors opted to lounge around on the grass taking advantage of the sun, and tempting the occassional squirrel with a few well-chosen nuts.
Overall had a great afternoon. The walk was just what I needed to balance out half a day's worth of intensive revision, coupled with ghastly images of Plague victims. I do recommend you go to these places if you're looking for a quick escape away from civilization - this is about as close as you can get to nature within the city centre itself.
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