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Water of Leith

The Water of Leith is a short river that runs from its source in the Pentlands to the Firth of Forth at Leith. There’s a path along most of it, starting at Balerno and finishing at Leith. It’s about 13 miles (19km) and flat so it’s an easy day’s walk.

As it’s a linear walk, I think it best to use Edinburgh’s excellent buses rather than a car to get to the start. The 44 bus runs from the city centre to Balerno where there’s a sign to the walkway.

river
Water of Leith near Balerno. The start of the walk is delightful with the fast-flowing river running through the woods.
weir
In the 18th century, there were lots of water mills along the Water of Leith, with weirs built to supply the water wheels. This one is between Currie and Colinton. The path from Currie to Colinton used to be delightful but has been spoiled by unsympathetic new housing developments. It's beyond understanding why local councils don't insist on new housing that's more in keeping with Scottish architecture.
Visitor centre
The visitor centre at Slateford has lots of information about the Water of Leith, including information on its wildlife. Otters and herons are commonly seen.
heron
Heron fishing near the visitor centre
cricket at murrayfield
After Slateford, the river flows through urban areas to Leith. But this doesn't mean it's all an urban landscape - it passes Saughton allotments.
cricket at murrayfield
As well as rugby, there are also cricket pitches at Murrayfield.
dean village
Dean Village is a characterful (and pricey) area in the West End of Edinburgh.
poppy factory
The path continues to Canonmills where there are ample opportunities for coffee or something stronger. It runs past the poppy factory where all of the poppies for Remembrance Day are made by veterans.
weir
From Canonmills, I find the path to be a it uninspiring until you get to Leith. This is the Shore at Leith at the end of the Water of Leith path. Leith is increasingly gentrified with lots of upmarket restaurants and fashionable pubs.
weir
Reflections at Leith. Included here because I like the image.

From Leith, there are lots of buses to the City Centre and to the south of the city. I caught the 16 back to Bruntsfield.