One of the many things I like about Edinburgh — aside from its dependable, beautiful architecture and its constant greenery — is its walkability.
Although the suburbs stretch far towards the hills and beaches which ring the city itself, some neighbourhoods (like Stockbridge or Dean Village) are within easy walking distance of the town bustle.
That’s how Sunday wanders have become a bit of a routine for us.
We’ll leave the flat at lunchtime, tummies full with a late breakfast, and we’ll just walk (see map below). Down Broughton Street’s slight descent (with the compulsory coffee and cinnamon bun stop at Soderberg) and on through the Georgian New Town with its colourful doors, framing potted plants and fancy cars.
It’s maybe twenty minutes further on — after pausing on Edinburgh’s prettiest street, Circus Lane — that we reach Stockbridge.
On a Sunday, this bourgeois area of town is bustling.
It’s market day, a flashback to days long ago where supermarkets only existed in sci-fi novels. Clouds of people mingle, gazing longingly at the lumps of paella steaming in the pan, eyeing up cakes and macarons, and touching delicate jewellery and leather goods.
There’s a relaxed atmosphere as crowds find a space to stand and eat, or sit with a coffee and watch the street traffic wax and wane.
Stockbridge gives way to long streets and suburbs and fifteen minutes later — after following the flow of the Water of Leith — we reach the Royal Botanic Gardens.
With 70 acres of greenery, themed grounds and woodland walks, the Botanics is — although busy — one of the best places to shed your city skin for a few hours.
Right now, as the mercury rises and the sun stays in the sky for longer, plants are beginning to stir.
Crocuses poke out of the long lawn in front of Inverleith House; squirrels scrape at the soil for the loot they buried last winter; the clumps of snowdrops are slowly beginning to fade in the February daylight.
I say I love every season more than the last, but there truly is something lovely about the world around you awakening again after the wild winter and long nights.
Hill & Haar 
9 responses to “A stroll through Stockbridge and Circus Lane, Edinburgh”
Aww I love this!! You’re making me awfy nostalgic for Scotland right now, seeing all the old buildings and cobbles and daffodils! Spring walks are just glorious, and your sunday routine sounds perfect! ❤
Love,
Anne // http://www.aportraitofyouth.co.uk
Hi Anne! First of all, thank you for your lovely comment (and great name btw, I share a middle name with your first one!) 🙂 And second, I can’t believe I haven’t stumbled upon your blog yet! I’ve given you a wee follow and look forward to reading more of your articles! How is India treating you, are you enjoying teaching English? Also another thing we have in common – Glasgow Uni! Is it this year you start? I did English Literature there so if you have any questions, let me know 🙂 Sending you best wishes from a grey Edinburgh, Laura x
I am so in love with Edinburgh! I lived there one year for uni and I am back for few weeks now. It is just the prettiest! And as you said, everything is within walking distance! Circus lane is really pretty. My favorite spots for pictures! I am going to miss the city when I move away. xx Corinne from Corinne & Kirsty
http://www.corinneandkirsty.com
Thanks so much for commenting, Corinne (and HUGE apologies for the absolutely horrendous reply time, there are just not enough minutes in the day!) How has your weekend been? And are you still in Edinburgh, is it treating you well? I think I’ll miss it if I ever move away too. We just spent the whole day wandering around the city centre in the shops; so chilled and so many coffee shops nearby. Life is good! xx
Oh my gosh I love Stockbridge, I still have a crazy dream of living there one day haha
I know, I have that equally crazy dream… We can wish right?! x
I love Stockbridge. Had a wander through there the other day. I always pause to admire the cheese shop, though I can’t eat cheese, sadly. The best thing about Edinburgh, within the ring, at least, is how easy it is to get around. Thanks for the inspiration and reminder to explore a little more.
Hi Deserae! How are you? Sorry for the delay in replying to your comment, there’s not enough time in the day to blog clearly 🙂 Hope you’re had a good weekend. I love wandering around Stockbridge too! I’m so sorry you can’t eat cheese though, how come? That is the ultimate in temptation when you have to walk past the cheese shops and all the lovely market foods! x
Lovely post, the markets at Stockbridge are always fun to wander around!