I have lost count of the times I’ve run laps of the Meadows. I’ve been there in the quiet of early morning and in the peak of the afternoon, weaving around pedestrians, bikes and people I would really rather not bump into looking like a sweaty mess. At 2.5 km a lap, it is the perfect size for a convenient training run, a relaxed jog, or even a cheeky participation in Franco Manca’s “map my pizza run.”
Yet the Meadows can also turn a good run into a frustrating one. Waves of walkers carrying their Instagrammable hot chocolates from Uplands Roast plus a constant stream of Voi scooters and bikes can turn the relaxed path into something faintly menacing.
That may sound dramatic, but when chasing a target time or holding a steady pace, getting bodied by a pedestrian or a cyclist is far from ideal. If you want a fast, uninterrupted session, my advice is to go early, when the paths belong to dog walkers and fellow runners, and save the busy afternoons for easy jogs where dodging is part of the fun.
Still, the Meadows is more than a running track. It is a place of community. Whether you are in a group, on your own or out with your team, there is always someone else pounding the pavement alongside you. There is something motivating about seeing other runners out in all weather, and it is often where friendships start, whether over a shared pace or a post-run coffee. Its location makes it the perfect meeting point for students, with plenty of cafés nearby to treat yourself after a gruelling session. It also works as a stop on a longer run or as the finish line.
Great as it is, the Meadows is far from the only option in the city. Arthur’s Seat is a classic for anyone who wants hills and views, and from there you can carry on to Portobello beach for a run along the sand and the promenade. For something flatter and quieter, the Union Canal offers a long, traffic-free stretch that is ideal for steady-paced miles. Each route offers something different, from the scenery of the hills to the calm of the water.
So, paradise or hell? Honestly, it’s a bit of both, and that’s part of its charm. The Meadows will always be my go-to for a quick loop, but it is at its best as the starting point for exploring everything else Edinburgh has to offer runners. Just watch out for the cyclists and be sure to finish in Söderberg.
Image by Isabel Beiboer for The Student
