Discover The Water of Leith Walkway

An urban haven

In the late 19^th century, this area was at the centre of Edinburgh’s industrial heritage – its close proximity to water made it an ideal location to power the nearby paper, fabric and flour mills. Today, however the river is a much calmer scene. It has been designated as an Urban Wildlife Site and is home to a wide diversity of plants and animals from wild garlic and orchids to brown trout, heron, kingfisher and otter, all of which can be explored on foot or bike. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a roe deer or badger.

This urban haven is a popular year-round haunt for both residents and visitors. In the spring, plants and flowers burst into life, while in the autumn, crisp brown leaves blanket the area. Make sure you have your camera at the ready as you never know what you might discover…

Operating since 1988, The Water of Leith Conservation Trust work tirelessly to protect and enhance the river by promoting education and recreation, as well as working with volunteers and community groups to deliver around 240 river clean-ups each year. Find out how you can support their work 

The route

The route travels through many areas of interest including the Union Canal, Saughton Park and Gardens, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, National Galleries Scotland: Modern and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, as well as the neighbourhoods of Colinton, Stockbridge and Leith.

The walkway, which is suitable for cycling and accessible in part by wheelchairs and even by horseback, is well signposted and a map is available from the Visitor Centre. A basic map of the route can also be downloaded here

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Route highlights

As you make your way along the walkway, be sure to keep an eye open for our suggested highlights:

 Dean Village

One of the most popular spots is around Dean Village, a former water milling community which still has many of its stunning 19^th century buildings. Surrounded by trees with the Water of Leith running through its heart, it’s hard to believe this tranquil and restful area is only minutes from the city centre.

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 St Bernard’s Well

Found near Dean Village, St. Bernard’s Well was discovered in 1760 and quickly became a visitor attraction as locals believed that ‘taking the waters’ in this natural spring was thought to have restorative, if not actual healing, powers.

The neo-classical temple was designed by the Scottish artist Alexander Nasmyth in 1789, complete with Doric columns and a dome topped with a golden pineapple. The figurine inside the structure is a depiction of Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health.

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 Antony Gormley Statues

Don’t be alarmed if you see a man standing in the water – it’s one of celebrated artist and sculptor Antony Gormley’s Standing Man statues. Forming part of his 6 TIMES artwork, the first of these towering figures can be found outside the National Galleries of Scotland: Modern. You can then follow the trail through the walkway, before culminating at the shore in Leith.

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 Colinton Tunnel

In what was once an old railway tunnel, artist Chris Rutterford has transformed Colinton Tunnel into the biggest mural of its kind in Scotland.

Celebrating local history and heritage, this once dark and gloomy space is now bright and cheerful, with illustrations from Edinburgh author and poet, Robert Louis Stevenson’s From a Railway Carriage.

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 The Water of Leith Visitor Centre

Located halfway along the walkway at Lanark Road, The Water of Leith Visitor Centre has an interactive exhibition where you explore further the heritage and wildlife of the river, as well as a gift shop and café – perfect for refuelling before you start the next section of the walkway.

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