Edinburgh residents are blessed with a wealth of woodland on their doorstep – both in the Scottish capital itself and within a short drive or bus ride from the city centre.
Those who tramp around the trees during the autumn months should keep a lookout for wildlife, much of which becomes easier to see without the summer cover of foliage.
Animals that can be sighted include squirrels stocking up for winter and charismatic robins. Walkers can also listen out for the tell-tale sound of woodpeckers excavating nest holes or drilling for delicious grubs.
Those venturing into the outdoors at this time of year might even be lucky enough to see roe deer, which inhabit several city parks, including Corstorphine Hill.
Here are 10 of the best walks around Edinburgh for leaf peepers and wildlife lovers.
Read more:
1. Arthur's Seat
You can't miss Arthur's Seat - the ancient extinct volcano you can see from across Edinburgh - but it's amazing how many residents have never climbed its 251 metre-high summit to enjoy panoramic views over the city, the Forth and Fife beyond. Spring is as good a time as any to venture up its slopes, with the vivid yellow gorse flowers starting to bloom. Allow about two hours for the round trip, although a walk from Dunsapie Loch (where otters can be seen) takes about half the length of time. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Water of Leith Walkway
The Water of Leith Walkway links two very different, but equally interesting, areas of Edinburgh - the picturesque Dean Village (pictured) and the trendy harbor district of Leith with its fashionable bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. It's a walk of around three miles, taking about 90 minutes. If you're lucky with the weather you might even be able to enjoy a drink outside in the spring sunshine. | Canva/Getty Images
3. River Almond
The walkway following the RIver Almond from Cramond Brig to Cramond village takes in a variety of woodland, including beech, oak and sycamore. Taking around two hours to complete, it's glorious to see the budding leaves on the trees after a long winter. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
4. Cammo Estate
Sitting on the edge of the Capital, the 85-acre Cammo Estate is a country park offering miles of pretty woodland walks, along with a picturesque tower and the atmospheric ruins of Cammo House. Photo: Canva/Getty Images