Craigmillar Castle Park including Hawkhill Woods - Explore parks

Title Craigmillar Castle Park including Hawkhill Woods
Address Old Dalkeith Road
Postcode EH16 4TB
Telephone 0131 529 2401
Email naturalheritageservice@edinburgh.gov.uk
Facilities Natural Heritage Service, Interpretation panels, Orienteering, Play area, Seating
Background Craigmillar Castle Park is a natural heritage park with areas of mature and young woodland, grassland and old quarries. In 1997, over 40,000 trees were planted as part of the millennium forest for Scotland project. This park provides an excellent place to walk, cycle or jog on many different paths to explore the different habitats. The park has been awarded a Green Flag since 2010 in recognition of it being a quality green space.
History and heritage Craigmillar Castle Park is set against the backdrop of Craigmillar Castle . An enormous baronial structure famously associated with Mary Queen of Scots, was built in the 15th century by Sir John Preston. It passed from the Prestons to Sir John Gilmour, a distant relative, in 1660 and remained with that family until 1946 when it passed to the state and then onto Historic Scotland who manage it today.
Wildlife The area is a mixture of open parkland with groups of veteran trees, mature woodland located around the fringes of Craigmillar Hill and recently created woodland established on the fields on the north and western edges of the Hill. The young woodlands at the north of the park are made up of many different native species: alder, birch, oak, ash and hawthorn are just some. These trees are excellent places to see and hear the many small birds that live in the park, such as bullfinch. Watch for the buzzards soaring over the grasslands in the park. They make a mewling cry as they call to each other. The range of grasslands and woodlands means there are plenty of rabbits and voles for them to eat.
Orienteering There is a permanent orienteering course here, which is accessible at all times. Map packs can be bought for £2.50 from the Hermitage Visitor Centre in the Hermitage of Braid, from the Visitor Centre at Cammo Lodge, or through the website of Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club (www.esoc.org.uk)
Organise an event Find out how to organise an event
Getting involved Craigmillar Woods action group
Other useful links Natural heritage service.Craigmillar Castle infomation leaflet
Green flag Yes
Management plan Craigmillar management plan
Location map 55.92429726658257,-3.1441497802734375
Trees Craigmillar Castle Park community woodland
Image View of Craigmillar Castle