My flatmate plays for the Edinburgh University rugby team and this is the place he picks up all of…read morehis accessories. I have been there a couple of times with him and they really do seem to have everything you could want if you play rugby, or if you are an avid supporter of rugby. They have a huge selection of rugby boots that high street shops simply wouldn't be able to compete with. They also do a good selection of rugby shirts, both international and domestic, and even offer you with the chance to get a name and number printed on the back of it. Every rugby accessory imaginable is also on offer here- rugby balls, tees, gum shields, headgear, shoulder padding etc. The staff look really knowledgeable and was even able to identify what position my flatmate played just by looking at him.

Level of customer service leaves a fair bit to be desired. Unbefitting considering the nature of…read morerugby and rugby fans. Presuming the staff that I met actually like rugby. Their saving grace is that they have a good variety of stock, however, so does online. It's nice to support local businesses but I will avoid using First XV in future.

Stirling's King's Park is most definitely somewhere you should head to as the summer months get…read morecloser and closer. It's easy to forget about this cracking little park, as it's a wee walk away from the centre of Stirling. Not far though, mind, and worth making the short journey to. KP is just perfect for a chilled out afternoon, a leisurely stroll, a jog; whatever you fancy. There's often families in the park and it definitely feels much safer this side of town. The park also has some lovely flower displays and a pretty little fountain by the gates. It's of a really good size and always seems very well kept. There's also quite a few children's play areas, including a mini trail for little ones and their little bikes. There's even what looks like an outdoor gym. Although, I think I'd only have the guts to use it seriously in the early morning, when the park is at its quietest. There's also tennis courts and a skate park, if that's your thing. The more I think about it, this park's got something for everyone and it's definitely family friendly. Also, there always seems to be a lot of dog walkers here. I don't have a dog myself but it's interesting to take a loop or two of the park and indulge in some pooch-watching. In my opinion, that beats people-watching. - Hands down. One of these sunny summery afternoons, I'm taking a blanket, a book and lunch and I'm going to chill out here. I suggest you do too. After all, King's Park is just perfect for a picnic!

A beautiful quiet space in Canonmills bordering the Stockbridge area. Has a playground for children…read moreand whilst not a huge park, ample space with different quadrants that offer room to walk your dog, benches to sit and private little spots to enjoy a picnic. The playground is actually really cute and perfect for locals who want to enjoy a bit of greenery right in their doorstep.

This park and ride is a godsend for anyone who wants to travel into edinburgh without taking the…read morecar the whole way. Parking here is free and you have the option to either take the bus into Edinburgh or the tram. There is a staffed ticket office between 0730 and 1830 that also has toilet facilities. With an all day ticket that is valid on both buses and trams its excellent value. When we park here we always use the trams as its still something of a novelty for us Glasweigans and it drops you right in the city centre in under 20 minutes. When travelling back here later on at night you can get the number 35 bus that will also drop you here. The trams will take you to Edinburgh airport but they do not allow overnight parking here so bear that in mind.

A small hike my friend took me on, it didn't look like much when we started but the higher you get,…read morethe better it gets. Once we reached the top, we were treated to a GORGEOUS view of Arthur's Seat. I almost cried because of how beautiful it was. We then laid in the grass and I am not exaggerating when I say it is the best grass i have EVER laid on. The grass was so soft and warm. I still remember it so well, it saddens me to think I might never feel grass that soft and warm again. All other grass now pales in comparaison. Sigh.

If you're looking for a fantastic view over the city and a walk in peaceful surroundings this is a…read moregreat choice. It's a little bit further to get to from the centre, as apposed to Calton Hill, Salisbury Crags or Arthurs Seat so you may need to walk to get there or catch a bus. It's still worth it though! Take a flask or a bite to eat and enjoy a seat on one of the benches or lay out on the grass. Make sure you explore round the hill as there is a very nice walk through the trees. Don / www.edinburghphotowalks.com

Silverknowes golf course is in an excellent position down by the River Forth. It is a bit of a trek…read morefrom the centre of Edinburgh. The course itself is a mixture of interesting and extremely dull holes. It has a tendency to get water logged in some of the lower holes. It boasts I think what is the longest par 5 in Edinburgh. Views of the River Forth and Fife beyond are stunning.

Who doesn't love the canal?…read more Crazy people, that's who. Now, I'm sane so I adore strolling, jogging and biking along it's banks, taking in the rowers, the ducks, the swans and the air. Tucked away you'd hardly know it was there - in fact I lived within a minutes walk of it for 3 months before I found it - I just never happened to walk in such a way as to see it! Since my discovery, however, I've whiled away not nearly enough Saturday afternoons here. Since moving back to the area it's become my favourite place to jog - see Robyn's review! It is definitely the flattest place around!! Some of it's charm comes from the handsome barges which are littered throughout. Quite amusingly one or two have been converted to cafes and I swear there is nothing so quaint as a cafe in a barge! It's fantastic and a new tourist spot for when I have visitors! I've never been down here in the dark though. The concept is quite frightening, despite the adorable coloured lights that mark the way! I'm quite happy viewing them from the bridge! Give it a go! You can't beat a canal walk for clearing the head and getting some air in your lungs! Exclamation Mark!

One of my favourite spots in Edinburgh to walk along and the occasional picnic in the evening…read moresunshine. Union canal is lovely all year round and changing constantly. In the winter sometimes the canal freezes over creating beautiful textures in broken ice and frost. In the springtime you will see beautiful wee ducklings and plants starting to return. Summer is lush and green and overgrown reeds and there are a few floating pontoons perfect for picnicing or you can hire kayaks and canoes and get out on the water. There are also lovely wee narrowboat cafes you can stop in for tea and cake. Autumn is my favourite when all the trees are changing colours. You can walk or cycle all the way to the Falkirk Wheel if you are feeling energetic or turn off at the aquaduct to either the Water of Leith Walkway (another beautiful walk) or to the Dells in Collington (just stunning). When you are on the canal you forget you are still very much in the city centre, some points are so peaceful and leafy with various parks on route and if you get tired you are never far from a bus stop back into town. I've walked all the way out to East Calder where you find yourself surrounded by fields and countryside and fabulous scenery, just gorgeous!

very helpful receptionist,it was unfortunate the cafe didn't open until 10am however excellent well…read morestocked vending machines are available

I've recently joined this gym and have to say I am really enjoying it. I've only been going to…read moreclasses, not using the gym itself as that's what I prefer and I really do like them. The instructors are great. Easy to follow instructions with variety for different abilities and all very professional, but also fun. Not being instructed by robots! It's a really friendly atmosphere which is the reason I keep going back. And I have tried gyms before and just give up as don't enjoy it. The only reason for 1 star being off is because the pool can be seen from reception and the cafe area which for me is off putting. I'm sure a lot of people won't bother about this, but I'd prefer it to be more private.