The best walks around Edinburgh: Corstorphine Hill

In the fifth episode of this new video series, local resident Ruairidh Mason is exploring the best and most scenic walks in and around his home city of Edinburgh.

Corstorphine Hill Tower. Picture: Ruairidh Mason

The YouTuber and videographer takes advantage of bright spring conditions to scale Corstorphine Hill in Edinburgh’s west.

He takes in the views towards the Forth Bridges, the Scottish capital’s city centre and Murrayfield Golf Club.

Mr Mason also explores the location’s “ominous towers”, including Corstorphine Hill Tower.

Situated close to the hill's summit, the tower was built in 1871 by William Macfie of Clermiston to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Sir Walter Scott. It was gifted to the city in 1932 to mark the centenary of Scott's death.

The ten-part walking series, sponsored by the Scotsman and the Edinburgh Evening News, will celebrate the best of the outdoors in and around Edinburgh.

The views from a walk around Corstorphine Hill. Picture: Ruairidh Mason

Mr Mason returned to his native Edinburgh in October after spending five years living on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

After spending lockdown on the European continent, the 40-year-old has set about reconnecting with his native city by filming the series of outdoor guided tours.

In episode five, Mr Mason explores a hill that he describes as a “mecca for dog walkers”, while searching for the site’s walled garden and Cold War nuclear bunker.

The views towards Edinburgh's city centre from Corstorphine Hill. Picture: Ruairidh Mason

Corstorphine Hill is located about 3.1 miles west of Edinburgh's city centre

In future parts of the series, Mr Mason will be trekking out to Cramond Island and heading further afield to the Pentland Hills, once Covid restrictions ease.