The Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill is situated in the South of Edinburgh. It is one of my most favourite places in Edinburgh, a green jewel in the city. The Braid Burn flows through a woodland and some fields bounded by Blackford Hill to the North and the Braid Hills to the South.

Braid Burnbraid burnBraid Burn

It's always worth visiting during any season. Winter when there is snow is particularly nice.

Braid Burn in WinterHermitage, 2001Braid Burn in WinterHermitageWinter Gateicy

I also really love all the old fences and paths.

Fence in the Hermitagefencechained up

During the summer there are plenty of insects to be found.

spiderShield Bugfruit flycollecting pollenbee in flightspider

Autumn provides many opportunities to take photos of fungi.

Porcelain Fungusfungifungirow of fungi

At Blackford Pond there are many birds. Unfortunately, so far I have missed the mass frog spawning. One year, I'll get them.

balancing actHerons at Blackford PondDucklingsJackdaw

There are also plenty of flowers. Some more welcome than others.

Yellow IrisWinter AconiteRagwortHimalayan balsamwater crowfootbluebells

The top of Blackford Hill provides great views of the city.

View of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill II
Blackford Hill SunriseBlackford HillView of Edinburgh at nightShadows on Blackford Hill

It also features the Royal Observatory and the University's Department of Astronomy.

Royal Observatory, EdinburghRoyal Observatory, EdinburghNew Roof of the ObservatoryEdinburgh Observatory at night