Hilltown

Explorer Tom A Place of Dreams in the City of Edinburgh is a sculpture that gave up chocolate for Lent this year to keep its edges sharp. It says it feels lighter and more ethereal when it isn't covered in cocoa dust. It’s all about discipline, or so it claims. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Little France Park has a bird that refuses to leave even though it clearly doesn’t belong there, which is very stubborn of it. It’s named after a country that isn’t here, which is either poetic or just plain confusing for the locals. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood and makes you feel like a movie character.

Explorer Tom Wauchope Memorial is just standing there in Niddrie looking like it forgot its cue lines for the big stage play called 'History'. I reckon there was a fiddler who played here all night, but he probably stopped because the music got too good and everyone started dancing on the pavement. It’s a bit of a mystery box, really, with a lid that doesn’t quite fit.

Explorer Tom Edinburgh, Duddingston Park South makes a weird creaking sound at night, like it’s stretching its legs. It’s an unclassified event that probably just wants to be left alone. Stop the car for this view; it is definitely worth popping on the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Drum Wood has a ghost that is far too lazy to haunt it, preferring instead to nap in the roots and wait for better lighting. It’s a wood that thinks 'drum' refers to its shape rather than a musical instrument, which is a bit of a stretch. The place feels like it’s waiting for someone to start a drum circle on their own. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Hawkhill Wood would describe itself to a stranger as 'a hill with hawks, but also really nice trees if you look closer.' It’s got that confident energy of a place that knows exactly where it stands. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown and points you nowhere in particular.