The Water of Leith - Discover ‘a silver thread in a ribbon of green’ flowing through Edinburgh. 

The water of Leith, near Lanark Road The River - Explore Edinburgh’s hidden natural asset, the Water of Leith. Flowing for 24 miles from its source in the Pentland Hills, the river winds its way through the heart of our capital to its outflow into the Firth of Forth at Leith. Once Edinburgh’s industrial heartland, the valley was host to over 70 mills harnessing the power of the water to produce paper, fabric, and flour with the river mouth supporting a vibrant dock and boat building industry. Today the river is home to a wide diversity of plants and animals from wild garlic and orchids to brown trout, heron, kingfisher and otter, and can be explored on foot or bike along the Water of Leith Walkway

 It's Wildlife - Designated as an Urban Wildlife Site, the wooded river banks are host to carpets of wildflowers and many dramatic trees, including patches of ancient woodland. Home to over 80 species of bird, you can hope to see heron, dipper, goosander and kingfisher. The river holds large numbers of brown trout, plus a dozen other species of fish, and is a popular fishery (free permits available from the Centre). Lucky visitors may even spot a roe deer, badger or otter.

 Its Walkway - The 12 mile walkway starts in Balerno by the High School and follows the path of the old Balerno Branch railway line to Slateford, then runs parallel to the river all the way to Leith. The walkway passes through many areas of interest including: Colinton Village and Dell, the Union Canal, Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge, the Royal Botanic Garden and Leith. Ideal for family walks, the walkway is a delightful afternoon’s stroll, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The route is suitable for cycling and is accessible in part by wheelchairs and even by horseback.

The Walkway is owned and managed by City of Edinburgh Council and was completed in 2002 courtesy of Millennium Project funding.

How you can support the Water of Leith

The Water of Leith Conservation Trust works to conserve and enhance the river, its heritage and wildlife:  The Trust promotes education and recreation through the Visitor Centre, and works with volunteers and community groups to deliver 40 river clean-ups and habitat improvement tasks annually. Operating since 1988, it was the first river charity to be established in Scotland. Support our work by becoming a member, sending a donation or joining the hundred strong team of volunteers who are involved in projects on the river and in running the Visitor Centre. For further information, please telephone 0131 455 7367 or visit www.waterofleith.org.uk

 

The Water of Leith flows over 24 miles (35 km) from its source in the Pentland Hills. It passes through the villages of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Colinton, into the heart of the city at Slateford, Roseburn, Dean Village, Stockbridge and Warriston and on to its outflow into the Firth of Forth at Leith.

 Its journey can be followed for 12 miles (18 km) from Balerno to Leith along the newly completed Water of Leith Walkway. The Walkway passes through many sites of historic and environmental interest, and offers a range of recreational opportunities including walking, cycling, angling and bird watching.