The Lion's Haunch

Hill, Mountain in Midlothian

Scotland

The Lion's Haunch

Arthur's Seat behind Niddrie Mains Road With the Showmen&#039;s site in front and a couple of ad boards. — Arthur's Seat behind Niddrie Mains Road Credit: Charlotte Lunn

The Lion's Haunch is a prominent hill located in Midlothian, Scotland. Situated in the southern part of the county, it forms a part of the larger Pentland Hills range. Rising to an elevation of approximately 450 meters (1,476 feet), it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The hill derives its name from its distinctive shape, resembling the haunch or hind leg of a lion. This unique feature has become a popular landmark and a point of interest for locals and tourists alike. It is often referred to as "The Lion's Haunch" or simply "The Lion."

The Lion's Haunch is accessible via various walking trails that wind their way through the Pentland Hills. These trails provide an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the region while enjoying a challenging hike. Along the way, visitors can encounter diverse flora and fauna, including heather moorland, native woodland, and a variety of bird species.

At the summit of The Lion's Haunch, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding Midlothian countryside, with rolling hills and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of the city of Edinburgh in the distance.

Overall, The Lion's Haunch is a stunning natural feature that offers a unique and memorable experience for those who venture to its summit. Whether for a challenging hike or simply to enjoy the beauty of the Scottish countryside, this hill is a must-visit destination in Midlothian.

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The Lion's Haunch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.942515/-3.1620195 or Grid Reference NT2772. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Arthur's Seat behind Niddrie Mains Road

With the Showmen's site in front and a couple of ad boards.

Charlotte Lunn

Working sundial

It often does not get the opportunity in Edinburgh. The wall it is on is aligned almost N-S, so will only work for half a day anyway. It is high up on the wall, and very small, so a lot of folk probably do not see it anyway - see NT2573 : National Museum of Scotland from Forrest Road for its location - the small dark spot just above and to the right of the RH traffic light. This photo was taken at 11.21 BST, not long after it would have caught the sun. For another view, another time, with much shorter shadow see NT2573 : The sundial does work!.

M J Richardson

THIS IS NOT A POSTER - #MBGS

One of a great rash of 'faux crude' posters that has appeared in Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival, all with different and puzzling messages. This one on a phone box on Chambers Street. They are advertising a Fringe event, Miss Behave Game Show, which will go to London in September.

M J Richardson

Priestfield Road

Richard Webb

Bus lane, Priestfield Road

Motorised traffic other than buses is stopped from using Priestfield Road from Dalkieth Road to Peffermill. Everything has to go through the lights at Cameron Toll. There are cameras on the bus lane.

Richard Webb

South Clerk Street

One of the main routes south out of Edinburgh. There are lots of start up shops, food outlets and shops targetting the student market as it is the drag between George Square and Pollock as well as being full of flats. The spire is on the former church which is now the Queen's Hall.

Richard Webb

The Royal Dick

A bar in the former Dick Vet (University of Edinburgh Veterinary College) which is now an arts centre and distillery. Taken during the Fringe where this is a busy venue.

Richard Webb

Summerhall

Mural on the site of University of Edinburgh vet school, now out at Bush. Today as well as a gin distillery the site is used as an arts centre.

Richard Webb

The BBC tent, Potterrow Edinburgh

Venue for the BBC's coverage of the Edinburgh Festival.

Jim Barton

Hole in the road, Canongate

The site of a bus garage, long since demolished. There were plans for a housing development here which would have involved some demolition on the Royal Mile - that caused some bother. It went the way of many projects in the first decade of the 21st century and never happened.

Richard Webb

Dunsapie Loch and Arthur's Seat

Holyrood Park on a Summer evening.

Richard Webb

Upper road, Holyrood Park

Evening on the Queen's Drive which is a one way road around Arthur's Seat. The road is very good for views. Evening sun picks out the Pentland Hills and King's Buildings (University of Edinburgh).

Richard Webb

The Old Town and Perthshire Highlands

Very clear air brings Ben More and Stob Binnien in as a backdrop to Old College and St Giles. View from the Queen's Drive, Holyrood Park. The hills are over 100km away.

Richard Webb