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

Temporary Walkway Closure: Balgreen to Murrayfield
Please be advised that the Water of Leith Walkway is currently closed between Balgreen and Murrayfield due to essential gas main works, followed by sewer network improvements.

A local diversion is available via:
• Pansy Walk and Baird Drive, or
• Across the bridge and around the Westfield site if heading downstream.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during these necessary works.

Balgreen closure

Bridge Closures in the Dells

Due to fallen trees upstream of the Visitors Centre Kate’s Mill Bridge is closed. This does not affect the main path.

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 5th Aug

River Dipping for 5 to 10 year olds

Join us to explore the river and find out what lives in the water.
1:30-3:30pm
£7

Thu 7th Aug

Butterflies and Bugs for 5 to 10 year olds

Discover the fascinating world of butterflies and the bugs below your feet
1:30pm - 3:30pm
£7

Sun 17th Aug

Contemplate Colinton – Guided Walk

A guided litter pick to discover how our conservation team manage this interesting section of the river
1:30pm - 3:30pm
£7, members 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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