Urban Oasis

So surely it is hard to get active in Scotland's bustling capital city, with its tight cobbled streets and tourist crowds? Not at all. All you need to do is get out there on two feet, or two wheels for that matter, and really discover the city. There is so much more beyond the obvious attractions of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, an Edinburgh that will pump the blood faster around your veins as well as charm your heart.

Edinburgh is a city of hills or more accurately volcanoes. The granddaddy of them all, and my favourite, is Arthur's Seat. This brooding granite monster hangs omnipresent 250m (822 ft) over Edinburgh and can be seen for miles around. It feels like a slice of the Highlands resting just on the edge of the centre of one of Europe's great cities.

There are many ways to climb Arthur's Seat. The most scenic, though fairly strenuous, route is on the rough trails from St Margaret's Loch, which follows a fairly steady ridge. You should always take care on any Scottish hill and make sure both your footwear and clothing are up to the job. Avoid attempting the hike in high winds or when the ground is icy or slippery. Once safely on top the views are utterly superb with the whole city unfurling below, as well as swathes of the Lothians, Fife and the Borders.

Skyline of Edinburgh from Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat is the most dramatic feature in the green lung of Holyrood Park. This is a real oasis for walkers, runners and cyclists. Head round the back of Arthur's Seat to Duddingston and you really feel like you are in a country village miles from the city. If you want to just relax there are also benches by St Margaret's Loch where you can watch the swans with the romantically ruined St Anthony's Chapel and the hulking hills as a spectacular backdrop.

If you want a less strenuous hill walk, but still a brilliant view I love Calton Hill as well. This is a great wee mound just a 10 minute walk up the steps from the east end of Princes Street. In fact the legendary Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson thought this is Edinburgh's finest peak as from Arthur's Seat you cannot see Arthur's Seat and from the Castle Rock you cannot see the Castle Rock. You cannot really fault his logic!

View over Edinburgh from Calton Hill

Edinburgh is a great city for cyclists with mile upon mile of traffic free routes. The city authorities have signposted many routes along old railway lines and canal towpaths. Indeed these days you can cycle all the way from Edinburgh along the Union and then Forth & Clyde canals to the very heart of Glasgow! Local cycling campaigners Spokes are a handy contact and they also produce dedicated cycling maps of the city.

Getting active in Edinburgh is for all ages and all weathers. I love taking my eldest daughter into the newly revamped National Museum of Scotland . If you want to see even half of the multitude of exhibits it takes half a day of walking around and then there is the brilliant play area on the ground level. Designed by someone who really knows what kids like, this superb space is also free to enter. It lets your young ones play away while you join them or just look on from the comfort of a beanbag!

Find some inspiration on other Edinburgh city based activities.