Physic Well

The spring water bubbling up from the ground near Newbridge has been drawing people for centuries, though most visitors today walk straight past without realising what they're looking at. Physic Well is essentially a natural mineral spring that folk once believed had healing properties - the sort of place where Victorians would trek with bottles and cups, convinced the waters could cure whatever ailed them.

What you'll actually find is modest by modern standards: a small stone structure marking the spot, surrounded by overgrown greenery and the occasional muddy patch where the water emerges. It's the kind of site that rewards curiosity more than spectacle. History enthusiasts will appreciate the layers - medieval pilgrims, Renaissance belief in medicinal waters, Georgian tourism - all compressed into one humble corner of the landscape.

You're not looking at a day-long visit here. Twenty minutes covers it properly, unless you're the type to sit and read up on the old folklore. The walk from Newbridge is straightforward enough if you're keen on a bit of countryside wandering. The real value comes if you're already exploring the wider Edinburgh area or staying at nearby Linwater Caravan Park - it slots in nicely as an odd little detour rather than a destination in itself.

Free to visit, naturally. Go when the ground's dry if you can manage it.