The Walkway

The walkway is a delightful stroll away from the hustle-and-bustle of the city, and ideal for families.

The walkway passes many areas of interest including: Colinton Village, Craiglockhart Dell, the Union Canal, Saughton Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge, the Royal Botanic Garden and Leith. 

The route is suitable for cycling and is partly accessible by wheelchairs and on horseback. You can also see amazing works of art such as The Colinton Tunnel and 6 Times by Anthony Gormley.

You can listen to a commentary of the route along the walkway while you walk by connecting to our Audio Trail

The Water of Leith Walkway was completed in 2002 by courtesy of Millennium Project funding.  It is managed by The City of Edinburgh Council Parks, Greenspace and Cemeteries Department who also manage many of the parks and greenspaces along the 13 mile route.

The route is well signposted and a walkway map is available from the Visitor Centre priced £1.00 or you can buy your detailed map now using the Paypal button below.  

Alternatively, you can download a basic pdf map of the route – here.

The following is a rough guide to mileage along the walkway:  Balerno to Slateford is 5 miles – 2 hours, Slateford to Leith is 7.5 miles – 3 hours,  Roseburn to Stockbridge approx 2 miles – 45 mins, Stockbridge to Leith approx 3.5 miles – 1 hour 20 mins.

Path Closure Information

Bridge Closures in the Dells

Due to fallen trees upstream of the Visitors Centre, Bogs Bridge and Kate’s Mill Bridge are closed. These are the 2nd and 3rd bridges in the Dells, the wooden bridge at Redhall remains open.

Redbraes Tunnel

After many years of flooding we are pleased to announce improvements to the walkway between Powderhall Bridge and Redbraes Tunnel.

The works will include path resurfacing, improved drainage and installation of a handrail on the steepest section.

Works are due to commence on Monday 17th March and are expected to take two weeks.

Please note the path will be closed during this time, including overnight as the new surface requires time to cure.  Please respect the closure and use the cycle path to Steadfast gate instead to allow the best surface long term.

Buy a Walkway Map

This is a printed map which will be posted to you so please select the correct option for UK or International Postage 

Featured Events

Tue 15th Apr

Spring Discover Session – Kids Event

Seasonal hands on fun by the Water of Leith
1.30pm to 3.30pm
£7 per child accompanying adult free

Thu 17th Apr

Trash to Treasure – Kids Event

Join us for a fun session learning how litter harms the river and its wildlife
1:30pm - 3:30pm
£7, accompanying adult free

Sat 19th Apr

Mesmerising Mechanisms Exhibition

An exhibition of wooden mechanically powered machines by Ian Graham
10am - 4pm
Free

Paths for Everyone - Code of Conduct

Our city is great for walking and cycling with its network of off-road paths across the city. 
 
These paths are for everyone. Whether you’re, out for a stroll, heading to work, off for a run, walking the dog, going for a bike ride, out for the day with the kids.
 
We would like everyone to be able to use the paths in safety and comfort. Please follow this simple code of conduct.

Paths for Everyone is an initiative created by sustrans in their vision of a National Cycle Network and is an initiative supported by Edinburgh Council

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