Explore Edinburgh’s hidden natural asset, the Water of Leith. Flowing for around twenty-four 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 seventy 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 thirteen mile Water of Leith Walkway.
For detailed information about the river, its catchment, uses, water quality and quantity, habitat and species, access and recreation, heritage, landscape and geodiversity, you can view The Water of Leith Management Plan 2020-30
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 around 240 river clean-ups and habitat improvement tasks annually.