Thursday October 1st 2026
Left to right: Midlothian Countryside Rangers Andrew Todd, Alan Krumholds and Jo Cooke at Vogrie House.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Outdoor Festival returns this year to Vogrie Country Park and is set to take place from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October.
Organised by Midlothian Council’s Countryside Ranger Service, the festival features more than 20 events, with most activities free to take part in.
With just over a week to go until the festival begins, the Ranger Service is reminding anyone interested in joining one of the guided walks to reserve their place as soon as possible. Several events require advance booking and places are limited.
For festival details and booking information click here.
Guided walks exploring Midlothian’s countryside
Five walking events take place throughout the festival and offer opportunities to explore some of Midlothian’s most scenic landscapes while learning more about local history, wildlife and communities.
Walks include Ranger Alan’s Walk to Work, a trek to Crichton Castle, circular walks to Prestonhall and Pathhead, and a walk to Glenkinchie.
Participants booking Ranger Alan’s Walk to Work will benefit from a free bus from Vogrie Country Park to the walk’s starting point in Easthouses Park. A free return bus is also available for participants taking part in the walk to Glenkinchie too.
Discover the wildlife on your doorstep
Wildlife enthusiasts can choose from a range of nature-focused activities across the weekend.
Events include a Nature Safari exploring Vogrie’s woodlands, ponds and grasslands, Moths and Minibeasts sessions, pond dipping with the Wildlife Information Centre, and a chance to learn more about bees with the Vogrie Bee Sanctuary.
Many activities are suitable for families and provide opportunities to get closer to nature, learn new skills and discover the wildlife that lives in and around the park.
Family activities for all ages
Alongside the walks and wildlife programme, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities on Sunday.
Visitors can enjoy den building and campfires, orienteering, miniature train rides, bike-themed activities with Dr Bike, creative sessions at Art in the Park and more.
Several activities can be enjoyed without booking, making it easy for families to drop in and take part while exploring the park.
Jo Cooke, Senior Countryside Ranger said: “The Outdoor Festival is back, this year centred around Vogrie Country Park in Midlothian’s beautiful countryside, to the south of the county. With a park full of nature and autumn in full colour, we are looking forward to welcoming you to the estate for 3 days of life in the open air.”
Alan Krumholds, Countryside Ranger, said: “Join me on my walk to work through some of Midlothian’s glorious countryside with spectacular views across the county and beyond. During this stroll we will discover the rich industrial heritage of the area and its associated wildlife and landscapes.”
Jo Cooke said: “Sunday will also be a great day of walking, riding, orienteering, den building and pond dipping. Come and try your hand at some art in the park, visit our beekeepers or take a trip on the tracks of our own model railway. This is going to be a little day out in October to remember.”
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