Fiona Duff: There's plenty to keep four and two legged visitors entertained at Dalkeith Country Estate

There's something I have omitted to mention in the past few columns. It's not that I've actually been lying, but there just wasn't a reason to introduce you to the sixth member of our family. He's only three but has boundless energy and four legs, so much of our time is spent trying to find places that firstly, we can take him to, and secondly that give us the opportunity to tire him out.

We are hardly the sole dog owners in Edinburgh and can't be the only ones to have been rather pleased to see that in his latest edition of Scotland the Best Pete Irvine has added a DA category. Dogs Allowed does sound like some canine combo that might appear on the next series of Britain's Got Talent, but it makes our life so much easier.

One place that welcomes dogs and has more than enough to do for a few hours is Dalkeith Country Estate; 500 acres of land that is close to Edinburgh, yet once you are there, the city seems a million miles away.

There are some who grumble about the entrance fee, but the upkeep of a place like this must cost a fortune. There's a large adventure playground with all sorts of huge wooden frames and a flying fox, nature trails, both farm and wild animals and it's all in tip top condition.

In the initial, more formal area of land we kept the mutt on a lead as it is fairly busy and he's liable to barge in on someone's picnic. However, we then headed for the walk down by the river; past the orangery (inset) which is the sort of edifice that would make a film location scout swoon. Across the bridge we went tramping through the woods where Dan could rampage freely. Apparently this is the most extensive preserved oak forest in the south of Scotland, though we didn't get around to actually counting the trees.

There's a cafe, set in the old stables and it's an extremely pleasant place to sit and munch on a toastie. There are barbecue sites scattered around although it's best to phone in advance and book as they always seem fairly busy.

So yes, you do have to pay to get in, but it's a lot less than an amusement park, there are no queues to spoil your fun, and the healthy dose of fresh air is unlimited. Dan is very keen to return.

Entrance fee is 4 for both adults and children or 10 for a family, www.dalkeithcountryestate.com