SUMMER IN THE CITY
LEARN HOW TO
MAKE A PIMMS
When James Pimm invented a gin- based drink to aid digestion in 1823. he could never have imagined that it would eventually be transformed into the essential taste of summer. James
Sutherland of Oddfellows Bar in Edinburgh has been perfecting his Pimms recipes in anticipation of lazy summer afternoons. Fill a pitcher full of ice. Add fresh sliced cucumber. strawberries, lemon, mint and 50ml of fresh lemon juice. Add 75ml of Pimms and 75ml of gin and top with lemonade. To take Pimms to the next level, try James' own Pimms by Royal Approval. Add 50ml of fresh lemon juice to the ice and fruit then add 75ml of Pimms not. 50ml of tanqueray notO and 25ml chambord. Top up with a bottle of Veuve Cliquot and stir very gently.
WALK THE WALK
The simple pleasures are the best. and walking is a cheap and easy way of seeing the countryside. even living in a city. Walking Scotland's website has a wide selection of routes ranked from moderate to hill and mountain walks.
18 THE LIST 5—19 Jul 2007
and these include the two and a half hour walk through Blackford and the Braid Hills which passes the Braid Hills Hotel and the Hermitage of Braid's Visitor Centre. There are routes of varying length through the Pentland Hills. with one of the longer journeys lasting six hours and starting and finishing at the Flotterstone Ranger Centre. The walk covers some of the area‘s highest hills (Turnhouse Hill, Carnethy Hill. Scald Law. East Kip and West Kip) and a bus runs from Edinburgh's Waterloo Place to the Flotterstone lnn. Over in the west. there is a two hour route along the Clyde to Glasgow Green and back to Central Station. or a gentle 40 minute stroll around Mugdock Country Park to the north of Glasgow. The path goes past the duck pond and the ruins of Craigend Castle. walking.visitscotland.com/walks
BE TAKEN FOR A RIDE Scotland's scenery is stunning when admired at any speed. whether it's on horseback or something a little faster. Pony trekking is said to burn 40 calories every ten minutes during a gentle hack. and there are other advantages. says Lynsey lvchlonie of Tower Farm Riding Stables. (0131 664 3375). These include learning a new sport and the therapeutic benefits of spending time with animals. The stables have access to a traffic-free r0ute which winds through the Braid Hills. groups are never larger than eight, and first timers are advised to come along for an introductony lesson. with individual sessions available. Trusty steeds of the mechanical variety provide independence to explore the countryside at your leisure. whether it's a baSIC vehicle or one of the fleet from Caledonian Classic car rental who rents out everything from Beetles and
MGs to E-Type Jaguars. Owner Alex Stewart says: “These are cars that people remember from when they were kids and it‘s a chance to have a bit of fun while you're driving.‘ www.caledonianclassics.co.uk
DINE ALFRESCO
IN EDINBURGH
A little scenery makes a great accompaniment to any meal. and the unmistakable sight of Edinburgh Castle and across the Firth of Forth to Fife can be admired from several culinary spots. Oloroso on Castle Street. The Tower in the Museum of Scotland and the Forth Floor Restaurant in Harvey Nichols all make the most of their vantage points. and the same landmarks can be admired to equally striking effect from the tranquil comfort of the Terrace Café in the Royal Botanic Garden. Petit Paris brings la tradition Francaise to the Grassmarket. an area also overlooked by the garden terrace at Maxie’s Bistro at the top of the Royal Mile. Leith provides the ever-popular attractions of people watching at Vittoria on Leith Walk. or the winning combination of picnic tables. barbecue. wall-mounted flatscreen TV. and heaters at The Courtyard.
Shady deals .
Old school eyewear takes another turn, Raybans are back...
Clear Rayban Wayfarers £74, www.sunglasses-shop.co.uk
Lippy Specs £15,prshop
Classic Rayban Wayfarers $263. www.sunglasses-shop.co.uk
70s style shades £15.Topman
Swan Lake Specs E16. Urban Outfitters
Flourescent Aviators 5315. Urban Outfitters
Diesel 0007 Aviators £85. www.sunglasses-shop.co.uk