9.5km Soothing Edinburgh Water of Leith Run

This route runs along part of the Waters of Leith and the National Cycle Route 75. There are some sights along the way you can easily detour to see. The pathways are mostly well-paved and well-marked. Run along the gently flowing waters and listen to the rustling of the leaves along this 9.5km route.

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Route overview

Just before the bridge on Damside on the left is a gate leading to the walkway saying, “Gallery of Modern Art and Balerno”. Follow the path and curve past the Weir. Continuing on, you will pass Modern One and Modern Two.

To your right from Dean Village, you will pass Modern One and Two of the National Galleries of Scotland. Modern One has more contemporary art with a feature designed by landscape architect Charles Jencks and other sculptures around the outside of the gallery. Modern Two displays the more abstract and creative out-of-the-box artworks with sculptures outdoors to match. These two galleries are just across the road from each other.

National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One. Credit: Ben Heathwood

Part 1 of the 9.5km Soothing Edinburgh Waters of Leith Run

A little way after an arch (Coltbridge Viaduct) will be a set of stairs to your left. Walk up these stairs onto Roseburn Terrace, the main road. Turn right, then turn left down Roseburn Gardens at the next traffic light. At the end of the road, turn left following the sign for Water of Leith Walkway, then eventually right at the sign for Water of Leith Walkway through Roseburn Public Park.

Part 2 of the 9.5km Soothing Edinburgh Waters of Leith Run

Following the pathway from Roseburn, you will pass Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, the home of Scottish Rugby. With a seating capacity of 67 144, it is the largest in Scotland and has hosted many international matches as well as artists like One Direction, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, and Madonna. There are stadium tours available, which you can book here. Cross the bridge at Baird Drive back onto the walkway.

Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium. Credit: Forever Edinburgh

Part 3 of the 9.5km Soothing Edinburgh Waters of Leith Run

Look out for the stairs leading onto Balgreen Road and into Slaughton Public Park. Walk through the park and exit onto Ford’s Road, turning left, following the curve, then left again, following the sign back onto the Water of Leith Walkway (away from the park).

Part 4 of the 9.5km Soothing Edinburgh Waters of Leith Run

Follow the walkway onto Georgie Road and turn left. At St Aidan’s Parish Church, turn right onto Chesser Avenue. Turn right into New Mart Road just after the shopping centre on your left. Continue past the new development of apartments, then follow the curve back onto the walkway.

You will pass the Commonwealth War Graves along this part of the route. It is the final resting place of over 300 personnel who served in the First or Second World War. You can experience guided tours using your phone and their app here.

Part 5 of the 9.5km Soothing Edinburgh Waters of Leith Run

After following the curve of the walkway, you will see stairs leading up to the National Cycle Route 75 to turn left to continue.

If you continue past the steps to the National Cycle Route, you will reach the visitor centre. The Water of Leith Visitor Centre has a small cafe offering hot drinks and a few snacks, as well as a gift shop if you’d like to pick up a small souvenir to remember this route by.