FT readers: your Edinburgh highlights

The Colinton Tunnel in the south-west of Edinburgh houses an enormous community mural featuring Robert Louis Stevenson (who as a child spent a lot of time nearby) and his characters and stories. It is best reached by walking along the Water of Leith Walkway from the canal aqueduct and towpath that crosses it, or for a longer walk from further downstream on the river path, which passes through central Edinburgh and close to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. There are complimentary herons, dippers and sometimes even mergansers.

— Graham White, retired, The Black Isle, Scotland

Victoria Street, just off the Royal Mile, is a treasured must-see. Even in late January in the rain, one can meet interesting people and enjoy the centuries-old architecture and colourful facades. Explore the shops, dine at one of the pubs and chat with the locals. Directions

— Kristen Beck, assistant, US

Take your road bike out on the North Berwick train to one of the stops in East Lothian and head inland on any of the multitude of beautiful tiny, traffic-light roads. If you can get as far as the Lammermuirs, head up and around the Redstone Rig for incredible views of what seems like half of Scotland (always a climb on the Tour of Britain when it comes near here), down around Whiteadder Reservoir then back towards the sea and a station on the Edinburgh to North Berwick line. You can ride out from Edinburgh but it adds another 30 miles and the roads are busier.

— Ian Archer, scientist/CEO, East Lothian, Scotland

An eight-mile drive or cycle, or a direct bus ride from the centre of town, gets you to the car park at Flotterstone, which gives you access to the Pentland Hills. Spectacular views over the city and the Firth of Forth, and you can walk or run for miles in beautiful, properly hilly and wild countryside. When you get down, there’s excellent coffee, cake and toasties at the Pentland Hills Cafe Express, where you can sit inside and borrow their binoculars to watch the wildlife, or a table outside if you have muddy feet (or a muddy dog).

— Alison Gay, public affairs, Edinburgh 

Just a 10-minute cab ride from city centre is Braid Hills Golf Course. It is public, well maintained and offers breathtaking views over the city and the Firth of Forth. The course is not about length, but certainly demands good course management. The gorse gives the impression of playing a links next to the sea, while the hilly terrain provides a very varied experience. What better way to spend a sunny afternoon before heading back into the city for a nice dinner and drinks?

— Philipp Dirkx, portfolio manager, Paris 

Visit Cramond Island at low tide by foot along a row of concrete pylons, constructed as an anti-submarine boom during the second world war. At high tide, the path is covered by seawater and cuts the island off from the mainland.

— Halina Hoffman, interior architect, London

The National Museum of Scotland is perfection. Big enough to feel exciting, but small enough to be friendly, it’s the fantasy of an inquisitive child (or Hollywood producer) made real. A place to kill five minutes or five hours. Wandering from room to room, you might encounter a space rocket, a killer whale or Samurai armour. Fans of Norse chic shouldn’t miss a great British treasure — the slightly glum Lewis chess pieces. All set in a building that mixes Victorian grandeur with a stunning modern extension. Oh, and it’s handy for Greyfriars Bobby, the Royal Mile and the university. Not to be missed.

— Andrew Mills, financial analyst and writer, London

Walk over Arthur’s Seat, via Dunsapie Loch to watch the otters, and then wander down to the Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston — where Queen Elizabeth II once stopped off for supper, after the Musselburgh Races. It’s possibly the oldest pub in Edinburgh, and indeed Scotland. Have a game of bowls in its alley, built in 1880.

— Cameron Davidson, retired, Melrose, Scotland 

There is no better place for an inspiring run in Edinburgh than down through the city, past the Palace of Holyroodhouse and up and around Holyrood Park. It you are training for something, stick to Queen’s Drive and run the loop, slowing to take the hill and enjoying the view high above the lush green countryside and sea below. If you have more time and want a workout, run up through the heath or along the rocky trails to the top. Rain or shine, the rest of your day will be electric. Website; Directions

— Kent Holding, entrepreneurial finance, Warsaw

Visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia is a must. Young and old will be fully engaged in the experience, which reflects the world at a different time. It also shows how the yacht was used by the royal family as a soft-power tool for diplomacy. Hosting many world leaders and state dinners, it has a private intimate setting that encourages dialogue among guests. Also, the yacht is reflective of the country’s relationship with the sea. Walk, see, read, feel, experience history and all [the yacht] represents. After a tour, go to The Royal Deck Tearoom for tea. Much more than a yacht.

— John H Linnartz, adviser, Connecticut, US

A way to arrive in style. Website

— John Tyska, IT, San Antonio, US

Walk, cycle or run from Leith Shore to Roseburn along the beautiful path, a green space akin to New York’s High Line, where deer, badgers and foxes all have been spotted. Roseburn leads then into the city via the West End and William Street (shopping trip).

— Jane Alliston Picard, psychotherapist, Edinburgh

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