Water of Leith Walkway in Edinburgh

The Water of Leith Walkway is a walking and cycling path that takes you through many villages and past historical sites, such as the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The path connects the Balerno in the South of Edinburgh to Leith in the North of the city, and the pathway follows the Leith River. Along the path, some of the attractions you might want to take notice of include places like the Stock Bridge at the beginning of the trail, St Bernard’s Well, Dean Bridge and Dean Village.

The walkway is just over 19.5 kilometres from start to finish, so if you’re going to walk the entire trail, plan on taking about 3 and a half hours. If you visit a pub along the way, it could take you much longer. Once you make it to the end, you can catch the bus to the beginning of the trail.

Water of Leith Walkway in Edinburgh - one of the highlights of 10 Best Outdoor Adventures in and Around Edinburgh (Read all about Edinburgh here)

Highlights of the Water of Leith Walkway

Stop by the Water of Leith Visitor’s Centre before setting out on your walking journey. It’s a space where you can purchase a guide map, view some exhibits, grab a coffee or tea in the cafe or buy a souvenir in the shop. There is also an exhibition space that includes an interactive zone that kids of all ages will love.

The variety of sites you will come across on this walk are amazing, from the gardens to the trees, estates, small cafes, town squares and old architecture. If you’re not from Europe, it will be like you are walking through a different time, one that you may only see on television. With so much beauty in so many different styles, you’re sure to have a hard time picking a favourite.

History of the Water of Leith Walkway

The concept for the public park came up in 1949, but it was another 24 years before construction would begin on the Water of Leith Walkway. Leith is where the Water of Leith River enters the River Forth, and it was once considered the most important port in Scotland. Between the 13th century and the 18th century, the port was used for the wine trade and later the whisky trade.

In 1988, a group of concerned citizens formed a Water of Leith Conservation Trust that looks after the river, the walkway and the schoolhouse, which houses the Visitor’s Centre. In 1997, the small group was granted funding by the Millennium Commission. The trust continues its mission to protect, conserve and educate.

Good to know about the Water of Leith Walkway

For the most part, the walkway is well-marked with signage, but there are a couple of places where you will come to a roadway and will have to hunt around for a signpost. Because it’s a 19.6-kilometre walk, with perhaps an art gallery tour in the middle, you are going to want to wear comfortable trainers.

Before you leave for your walk, go online and make sure that you plan how you will get back to your starting place, as there is a good chance you are not going to want to walk back. Also, take a look at some of the attractions you’ll see along the trail in case there are any you want to stop at along the way or go back to at a later time.

Location: Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road Edinburgh EH14 1TQ, UK

Phone: +44 (0)1314 557367

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