Leaving lectures in something resembling daylight rather than the gloom of a Victorian novel, buried in three jumpers, your teeth are only lightly chattering, and your breath is not a dramatic fog but merely a polite mist. This can only mean one thing — the temperature has finally climbed to double digits!
For hibernating Edinburgh students this means crawling out of our dark and dingy flats to stretch out like lizards in the damp grass of the Meadows trying to soak up every feeble ray of sunshine.
But if rolling in the mud of the Meadows inhaling the fumes of takeaway barbecues isn’t your vision for this Edinburgh summer, then here are some other outdoor activities to partake in before the rain inevitably sets in again:
1- Grab a drink somewhere sunny
A crisp pint of Outcider from The Pear Tree, a hot chocolate from Uplands Roast. Most Edinburgh establishments will have the option to sit outside or takeaway — take advantage of the slightly warm evenings!
2- Go for a walk
There is nothing more invigorating than being overtaken as you pant your way up one of the seven hills of Edinburgh. In particular, I recommend the Pentlands as they offer the brag-worthy possibility of an encounter with a shaggy Highland cow as well as the ever enticing experience of year-round blustering wind and icy paths.
3- Visit the beach
As a long-standing member of the wonderful Bluetits society, I enjoy threatening myself with hypothermia weekly. Thus, I consider myself well-versed on excellent swimming spots of Edinburgh. A bonfire and Civerinos pizza on Portobello beach will just about return the feeling to your toes after spending a few moments in the North Sea. And if you want to go somewhere a little further afield, then Granton beach offers a spectacular sauna experience and cold plunge, just in case the sea wasn’t cold enough. Also, South Queensferry offers lots of water activities like sailing, and canoeing, and dolphins love to follow the boats!
4- Explore somewhere new in Edinburgh
When the grey clouds stop looming, Edinburgh becomes remarkably colourful. That means joining the flocks of slow walking tourists to explore highlight places in Edinburgh (particularly those in the hit series One Day) — such as Vennel Steps, Victoria Street, Greyfriars Bobby and Princes Street Gardens. If you want to go one step further, then venture into New Town — frolick around Royal Botanic Gardens, buy some overpriced cheese at the Stockbridge market, or walk the Water of Leith walkway.
5- Try a new activity
If you’re sick of watching marathon runners taking Strava a little too seriously then it’s time to trial a new activity. Play tennis with friends in the meadows, hire golf clubs from the Golf Tavern to play on Bruntsfield Links or simply kick a ball around with some friends.
Finally, if none of these are for you, then remember that we lucky Scottish students boast the very special Young Scot Card which means we can leave Edinburgh for free for a whole host of day trips. St Andrews, Glasgow, North Berwick, even up to the Cairngorms!
Image provided by Katie Broadhead for The Student.