Yesterday I walked five miles while doing some shopping around town. Today was a glorious blue sky and sunshine winter day. I had arranged to meet a friend at church (I am trying to find one to attend while I am in Edinburgh). I walked around beforehand and clocked up two miles. After the service we walked along the Union Canal to her flat. There were plenty of dog walkers, runners and cyclists all enjoying the weather and the wildlife was busy – ducks and a water vole on the river and some rats on the bank. We heard a robin but couldn’t see him. One magpie had a tremendously high perch on the top of a crane. However, these swans were not going anywhere.

After lunch in a local pub we parted company and I walked back towards my flat, passing the old psychotherapy department on Colinton Road which is now a private clinic. Back at the flat I discovered that I had completed seven miles today so rested before getting organised for tomorrow’s departure. Hopefully the next time I am here, the cherry tree will be in full bloom.