Family: Fetch some fun at Corstorphine Hill

Until that point, I think I had been along a bit of the Water of Leith once, and had never been up Corstorphine Hill or the Pentlands. I had not really seen the point of going for a walk as a pastime, although that is one of Dan's favourite things to do. Eating and chasing balls are really the only other activities he could put down on his CV.

One of our favourite walks in Edinburgh is Corstorphine Hill - where else can you ramble around in the trees sniffing out squirrels and perhaps even come across a zebra or two at the top end of the zoo?

There are two main ways to get up the hill. The easier route is accessed by driving up to Cairnmuir Road, jumping out of the car and heading off along the farm-like road up into the woods. Otherwise you can walk up from Ravelston Dykes, a longish gradual climb which is great aerobic exercise for the humans accompanying Daniel - never a bad thing.

Once on the hill I have never taken the same walk twice. At times we have found ourselves bashing through bushes like Livingstone discovering areas of Africa or clambering over fallen trees. Often I have cursed not bringing a compass as I have no idea how to get back to the car.

Of course, every so often you come to a clearing with a great view of Edinburgh ahead and bearings are easy to get. Along the top of Murrayfield Golf Course there are a few benches where you can sit a while and admire the view, not to mention getting one's breath back if you have walked up the hill too quickly.

Right up at the top is Clermiston Tower, a memorial to Sir Walter Scott and apparently there are sometimes planned openings when you can climb up it. The other thing not to miss is the pretty walled garden which was restored in 2003; and if there are any frustrated gardeners out there, they are always looking for volunteers.

For blowing away cobwebs it's a great place for a weekend walk, however many legs you have.

This article first appeared in The Scotsman Magazine, Saturday 29 January, 2011