Edinburgh residents are blessed with a wealth of woodland on their doorstep – both in the Scottish capital itself and within a short drive or bus ride from the city centre.
Those who tramp around the trees during the autumn months should keep a lookout for wildlife, much of which becomes easier to see without the summer cover of foliage.
Animals that can be sighted include squirrels stocking up for winter and charismatic robins. Walkers can also listen out for the tell-tale sound of woodpeckers excavating nest holes or drilling for delicious grubs.
Those venturing into the outdoors at this time of year might even be lucky enough to see roe deer, which inhabit several city parks, including Corstorphine Hill.
Here are 10 of the best walks around Edinburgh for leaf peepers and wildlife lovers.
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Animals that can be sighted include squirrels stocking up for winter and charismatic robins. Walkers can also listen out for the tell-tale sound of woodpeckers excavating nest holes or drilling for delicious grubs.
5. Hermitage of Braid
Hermitage Of Braid is a wooded section of a large city nature reserve that also includes Blackford Hill. The pleasant woodland walk on well-kept paths passes ancient trees that date back to the early 19th century and the historic hermitage building itself. Keep a look out for a wealth of wildlife, including owls, shrews and bats. Photo: Google Maps
6. Cardrona Forest
A little further afield, but still less than an hour from Edinburgh, Cardrona Forest is a stunning spot near the Borders town of Peebles. Choose from four different forest walks and keep an eye out for the red squirrels that reside there. Despite popular perception, the cute creatures don't hibernate but, are especially active in autumn stocking up on supplies to get them through winter. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Roslin Glen Country Park
Just a few miles to the south of Edinburgh is Roslin Glen Country Park, offering riverside treks through ancient woodland. You can combine a walk with a visit to the nearby Rosslyn Chapel, the mysterious spot made famout by Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Moredun Wood
Part of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park, Moredun Wood is a city oasis surrounded by a high wall that serves to keep traffic noise out and wildlife safe. These are two main entrances - one on the corner of Ellen's Glen Road and Gilmerton Road, and the other beside the Morrisons supermarket. Photo: Google Maps