SETTING

Even if you missed washing your face in dew at the top of Arthur’s Seat on May 1, then this iconic hill still makes for a wonderful walk where you have the whole of Edinburgh at your feet. And as your reward, head downhill to sample the new summer menu at stylish gastropub The Salisbury Arms.

FOOD

The focus for summer is on plenty of fish and vegetarian dishes so worth trying the pan-fried potato gnocchi with asparagus, spinach, peas and free range poached egg or pan-fried sea bass fillet with buttermilk and mussel marjoram broth. Duck leg with sweet potato or venison with apricot and cumin roasted plums should appeal to meat eaters. Puddings are equally inventive; poached pear with violet syrup and blood orange sorbet or blackcurrant mousse with lemon jelly. If Fido came on the walk; dogs are welcome too: The Salisbury Arms has a very attractive outdoor patio where dogs are welcome. And if you fancy a stroll at ground level, the very popular Summerhall arts venue, The Queens Hall and The Festival Theatre are all within easy walking distance.