Notes Edinburgh Spotlight - Walkround the Cammo Estate

Cammo EstateA walk round Cammo Estate in the north-west of Edinburgh9 views - PublicCreated on Jan 4 - Updated 2 hours agoBy infoRate this map - Write a comment

Main entrance to the Cammo Estate.

To your right as you enter is the East Lodge (built in 1879_ which now houses a visitors' centre & rangerstation containing information about the estate as well as nature displays, details of walks and activities etc. A sign on the left as you enter depicts a map of the estate and some historical information.

Main entrance

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You can park on Cammo Road, but please bear in mind this is a residential street so respect the privacy ofthose who live here.

Once a grand mansion, built in the 1690s, all that remains of Cammo House today are the ruins of the frontentrance and lower walls.

The house was still inhabited up until the 1960s, although its then resident had become reclusive and let it fallinto disrepair.

Local legends suggest the house and estate are still haunted by previous residents.

This majestic ash tree is thought to be one of the oldest in Edinburgh.

Its gnarled and twisted trunk adds to the atmosphere of the estate.

A long, thin ornamental water feature.

This is prone to freezing over during winter and although the water is shallow, thin ice hazards exist (especiallyif covered in snow).

Keep dogs on a leash and ensure small children are supervised at all times.

Cammo House (ruin)

Ash tree

Water feature

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Although overgrown, the walled garden of Cammo hints at the grandeur and landscaping of the estate in itsheyday.

An example of of Sir John Clerk of Penicuik's landscaping of the estate in the early 18th century, the walledgarden has now been reclaimed by wild plants and flowers.

The stable block was constructed in 1811, and - as with the main house - is now in a state of ruin.

Walled Garden

Stable Block (ruin)

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Although substantial parts of the structure remain, it is deemed unsafe to enter and explore and is best viewedfrom the path which runs alongside it.

Cammo Tower is one of the most distinctive features of the estate, and it is clearly visible from nearbyCraigs Road. Built as a water tower, it is - as with the rest of the estate - now in disuse; being sealed to all but the birds whonow roost there.

A small mound with a gentle incline, topped with a clump of trees.

Although the earthwork is artificial, its shape and position suggest the faerie hills of legend, particularly whenviewed at dusk with the tower standing in silhouette before it.

It is worth the short climb for sweeping views of the surrounding fields and farmland; as well as views to thePentland Hills to the south and Corstorphine Hill to the north-east.

Cammo Tower

Hillock

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A solitary ancient standing stone sits next to the tree-lined driveway of the estate.

Its history is unknown, although a metal ring embedded in it suggests it may have been used as a gate post inmore recent times.

This car park is handy for a brief visit to the Tower

The Cammo Stane

Suggested route

Car Park

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