Balerno

Balerno

Balerno

All great cities have their rivers – and so has Edinburgh, although many visitors who spend time there are completely oblivious to its existence. In places little more than half a mile from the city centre, the Water of Leith carves its way through deep gorges on is way from the Pentland Hills to the sea at the port of Leith.

The Water of Leith Walkway and Visitor Centre

A small city, Edinburgh is well served by a small and eminently accessible river. The completion of the 13-mile Water of Leith Walkway in 2002 opened up a leafy access to the countryside even for those who live right in the middle of the city. The route links on to the Union Canal towpath, which runs out of the city westwards and into the heart of the urban area near Tollcross.

The City of Edinburgh Council funds a ranger service along the walkway and produces a detailed leaflet and map (available online for £1 or 50p if bought locally). The river even has its own charity, the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, whose volunteers run a visitor centre and are involved in clean-up operations and educational events.


  • Balerno

    Balerno

    Balerno

  • Search