Union Canal - Water of Leith
At Balerno you join the path beside the Water of Leith. This river has played its part throughout the history of the area, and during the Industrial Revolution it provided power to local mills and factories.
Today, the river is a beautiful, picturesque green space that is both peaceful and well looked after. The Water of Leith Trust has river patrols and constantly monitors the wildlife. So, keep your eyes peeled and you may glimpse a kingfisher, a heron or even an otter, as you scoot downhill to the city of Edinburgh.
At Colinton, follow the old railway line through a tunnel, cross a bridge over Lanark Road and join the Union Canal at Slateford. Carry on along the canal towpath until you come to the new Edinburgh Quay development, where you can enjoy refreshments in one of the canal-side cafés.
Natural attractions:
- Water of Leith
- Union Canal
Visitor attractions:
- Malleny Garden
- Edinburgh
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
Comments
Key route details
- Region/Area:
Central Scotland
- Distance:
7 miles
- Time needed:
1 – 1 ½ hours
- Classification:
Easy
- Traffic:
Traffic-free
- Surface:
Gravel
- NCN Route:
National Route 75
- Start:
High School, Balerno
- Finish:
Edinburgh Quay, Fountainbridge
- Access:
Train stations at Curriehill, Slateford and Edinburgh Haymarket
- Maps and guides
- Links with:
Balerno to Bathgate
- Weather:
-
Sun
max: 14°C min: 5°C
-
Mon
max: 16°C min: 8°C
-
Tue
max: 21°C min: 8°C
-
Wed
max: 22°C min: 8°C
Choose another route
