threeweeks guide to edinburgh

You're tired, you've been working hard and staying up too late drinking too much. The bustling Festival City was exciting at first, but the noise and the difficulty you have walking along the Royal Mile and the length of time it takes you to get from one end of Princes Street to the other on a bus is really starting to get to you. You have a few hours to kill. You want to get out of the city.

It's not hard to find a little peace and quiet very close to the city actually. I always think that one of the charming things about Edinburgh is the way that the countryside is so very close. And here are some top suggestions for places to visit.

North Berwick is my favourite. This will take you from about half an hour to an hour depending on traffic, or about half an hour on a train. It's by the sea. There's a sandy beach and a stony beach, and it's just all round lovely. The Pentland Hills are also good, beautiful scenery, also a chance to stretch the legs. There are several bus routes which serve the Pentlands.

Even closer to the centre, a trek around Arthur's Seat and Duddingston Village will make you feel like you're in the countryside, even though it's all slap bang in the middle of the city. Walk along Salisbury Crags, climb to the top of Arthur's Seat, investigate the surrounding area and then pop down into Duddingston Village for a cooling drink at the Sheep Heid Pub. Mmm. Access the Crags or Arthurs Seat from Holyrood Park or from Holyrood Park Road. You can get to the back of Duddingston village on the bus but it's more fun to walk.

I also recommend the Modern Art Gallery. It feels all countrified in the surrounding area, especially in nearby Dean Village.

The Botanic Gardens can also be restful when not too busy.

Feeling a little less stressed now? Good ...