Outside the City Boundaries
Last week we brought you Part 1 of the photographer’s guide to the city, a list of the best places to take a great photo in central Edinburgh. Whether you’re a nature lover looking to catch the perfect shot of urban wildlife, or a foodie on the hunt for the next addition to your Instagram feed, take a look at the Photographer’s Guide to Edinburgh here.
This week, Andrew has listed some of the best places to take photos outside of Edinburgh. Hop on a train or bus to get away from it all and out into the countryside, and you’ll be rewarded with a wealth of beauty spots to photograph to your heart’s content.
Enjoy!
“If you’re an eager explorer like myself and like to take the road less travelled, here are a few recommendations for places easily accessible from the Edinburgh city centre, where you can take the perfect photo.
‘Heelan Coos’
Did you really go to Scotland if you didn’t see a highland cow? Fear not, for Edinburgh has those too, and you don’t even have to book a bus tour to the Highlands (although it is worth doing if you are short on time!)
The Pentland Hills at the Swanston Gateway have a herd of Highland cows that roam freely, so it may sometimes take a while to find them. However, they are fairly approachable once you do track them down, provided you do not spook them! The beautiful heathland provides a backdrop that rivals the scenery of the Highlands. The hills provide some of the best views of the city and are perfect for cleansing the soul of the busy city life. They are also very accessible by bus from Edinburgh.
Buses to the Pentlands from Edinburgh city centre: 4, 5, 27
Cramond Village
Cramond Village is a suburb in the north west of Edinburgh, near Corstorphine. The coastal town is placed where the River Almond meets the Firth of Forth and due to its location from the city centre, is a bit quieter than the average photography spot in Edinburgh. The harbour, island walkway and river trail all make this area worth your time.
Buses to Cramond from Edinburgh city centre: 41, 29
Cammo Estate
The Cammo Estate is a country park with fantastic ruins and woodlands, and an X43 bus will take just 35 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre.
Buses from Edinburgh Centre: X43
Dalmeny
Take a train to Dalmeny and you will find one of Scotland’s most sought-out man made features, the Forth railway bridge. The subject of many a fantastic photo, this incredible structure should definitely be on your list if you want to take the perfect shot!
Trains to Dalmeny from Edinburgh Waverley run four times per hour during peak season (check the Scotrail website for official timetables)
North Berwick
Travel to East Lothian and discover the seaside holiday destination of North Berwick. Okay, so this is not quite Edinburgh, but North Berwick is the favourite destination of many and is an absolute must-visit if you’re staying in the city! What’s more, it takes less than an hour to reach by train, along the stunning coastline of the Firth of Forth.
The coastal town reflects a more modest quaint lifestyle than the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh. Here you’ll find its own equivalent to Arthur’s seat, the Berwick Law; keep an eye out for the wild ponies who graze the area. North Berwick also has its own castle and some spectacular beaches: if you catch that sunset from the harbour, your friends back home will be dying to know where you’ve been.
Did you also know one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles lies in North Berwick? Bass Rock has the world’s largest colony of breeding gannets from around March to August. Regular boat trips can be arranged to visit the colony and if you’re lucky you may spot seals, puffins (another very iconic Scottish species) and even dolphins on occasion!
Trains to North Berwick from Edinburgh Waverley run once an hour during peak season (check the Scotrail website for official timetables)”
Catch up on Andrew’s guide to photography spots in Edinburgh here. Have you taken any spectacular photos on your visit to the city? Let us know via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
Follow Andrew on Instagram for some incredible wildlife photography.