Portobello History
Description: this walk gives a quick impression of Portobello – what it’s like today, and a bit of its history.
Length: ~3½ miles
Time: as a stroll: 2 hours; as a route march: one hour.
The walk is circular, comprising independent halves.
Terrain: standard town streets; some gentle climbs; OK throughout for wheelchairs.
Figgate Park
Description: a stroll to and around a beautiful park and haven for wildlife, passing two other parks on the way.
Length: just over one mile each way from the Town Hall to the far end of Figgate park.
Time: as long as you can spare, especially on a sunny day!
Terrain: standard town footpaths.
Joppa Rocks
Description: a stroll along Portobello Promenade and a scramble around a rocky coastline; note that Joppa Rocks are only accessible when the tide is far enough out. Hugh Miller was one of the founding fathers of modern geology, and Joppa Rocks were a very fruitful subject for his studies. He lived for two years in Portobello.
Length: one mile each way from Town Hall to Joppa Rocks.
Time: as long as you can spare!
Terrain: standard town footways to the Rocks, then difficult scrambling; sturdy, waterproof footwear advised.
Newhailes
Description: a stroll around an estate in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, with an optional visit during the summer months to a magnificent stately home.
Length: ~5½ miles
Time: as a stroll: 3 hours; as a route march: 90 minutes.
Terrain: standard town streets with some gentle climbs, and country paths which can be muddy after rain.
Musselburgh
Description: a stroll along the coast to an old harbour, then on to our neighbouring town’s new museum.
Length: just over two miles to the Harbour, and a little over one mile further on to the Museum; there are frequent buses back to Portobello, or it’s a seven-mile round trip.
Time: an hour’s leisurely stroll each way, plus up to an hour for the Museum and neighbouring café.
Terrain: standard town footpaths (with optional detours along Portobello’s and Musselburgh’s beaches).
