Some 16 percent of Edinburgh is given over to parks and gardens – a pretty typical figure for a major European city – but less usual is just how wild some of these are.

Holyrood Park, the biggest, most central, is spectacularly focused on Arthur's Seat, but also harbours a great deal more scenery that makes it a microcosm of Scotland's Highlands.

Other major Edinburgh hills, such as Blackford Hill, have similar wild spaces, though none quite rival the upland scenery of the Pentlands, a range of hills that hug the southwest edge of town. All these provide many great walking options.

If the weather's good, be sure to take advantage with a picnic. Small supermarkets and delis are dotted around the city centre and there are good spots in every park.