Greendykes Bing

An old colliery spoil heap just outside Newbridge might not sound like a day out, but Greendykes Bing has quietly become one of those local spots that rewards the walk. Once industrial waste, it's now a proper viewpoint across the Lowlands - you get clear sightlines west towards the Pentland Hills and across to the Firth of Forth on decent days.

The approach is straightforward, though it's steep enough at points that you'll feel you've earned it. From the top, Edinburgh sprawls out to the east, and there's something oddly satisfying about standing on what was essentially a slag heap and taking in that scale of landscape. It's not a long outing - give it an hour including the walk up - but it works well as a leg-stretcher if you're staying at Linwater Caravan Park nearby.

Walkers will appreciate it more than families with small kids; the path can be boggy and the terrain's exposed. Bring proper boots. It's free, naturally, and there are no facilities, so pack water. Winter's actually decent here when the visibility's sharp - many people miss it in summer because the trees fill in. Worth a morning visit if you're combining it with walks in the wider area around Newbridge.