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RISE ABOVE” IT. Getting high in Edinbtlrgh
As .1 Wise man (or Ferris Bueller) A" once said: 'Lite moves pretty last.
If you don't stop and take a look around. you could miss it.' During the Festival it's all too easy to spend most of the time running lrom venue to venue, be it work and home or comedy and theatre, wrth your eyes tixed on the ground. Take an hour or two to' climb above sea level and remind yourself just how beautiful this city is. See hitlist for our recommended natural thrills.
Fashionista'sChoice
CAROL O’BRIEN manages the Aladdin's cave that is Armstrong‘s, providing Edinburgh‘s style-conscious with a bit of vintage loveliness, and folks going to fancy dress parties with more inspiration than you could shake an afro at. Here she gives us her top five ways to escape the mayhem.
Flying kites in Queens Park Finding yOur inner child is a great way to de-stress and at least you can always be guaranteed a good wind in Edint'mrgh. The Kite Club of Scotland meets fortnight/y O I 7 86 824389.
Walking to Crammond Island You can have your own little castaway fantasy on this biiou island. Watch out for the incoming tide. although being stranded with the right person would be OK. Lot/nan Bus No 47 goes to Crammond from George Street, 555 6363, $2432.50 (.62).
Botanic Gardens When it gets a bit drizzly. the jungle hothouses at the Botanics. which are full of palms and tropical plants. can almost convince you that you're living $0th of the Equator. 20a lnverleith How. 552 7 l 7 7, free.
Landform at the Gallery of Modern Art Wandering around the intriguing land sculpture in the grounds of the GMA is a great way to lose yourself for a while. And on a hot day. it's almost tempting to have a paddle. Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Be/ford Road, 624 6200.
an
ruth.hedges@list.co.uk
THA‘THHNATURAL HIGH
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Edinburgh can get rather overwhelming during Festival time. Make for one of these peaceful vantage points to escape the throng.
I Royal Museum Terrace If you fancy getting a rooftop view of the Old Town and castle. try taking a lift to the terrace of the Museum of Scotland (pictured). accessible from the Kingdom of Scots hall. 2 Chambers Street, 247 4422. Mon, Wed-Sat 10am—5pm; Tue 10am—8pm; Sun noon-5pm, free.
I Arthur’s Seat From Holyrood Park, the summit and crags of this impressive peak are easily accessible and afford incredible views of the city and surrounding area. Holyrood Park Education Centre, 1 Queens Drive, 652 8 750.
I Botanic Gardens lnverleith House, near to the west entrance of the gardens, makes an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the excellent views of the castle and the rugged outline of the city. lnverleith Row, 552 77 77. 70am—7pm, free.
I Blackford l-llll For a different perspective on the City and its sky, try Blackford Hill to the South of the city. Here you’ll also find the Royal Observatory. which runs regular Friday night observation evenings (next date 6 Aug). Royal Observatory Visitor Centre, Blackford Hill, 668 8404. Fri 7pm, £2. 60 (£7.85).
I Pentland Hills To truly escape from the city and find some stunning panoramas, head to the Pentland Hills. From Bonaly village, it is a short walk up the hill to the moors. with expansive views of the city and Firth of Forth. Lothian Bus No 10 to Bonaly from Princes St, 555 6363, 92—82. 50 (82) day ticket. views of the city and Firth of Forth. Lothian Bus No 70 to Bonaly from Princes St, 555 6363, $2432.50 (£2) day ticket.
fi~l2 Aug 2004 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 77