This 9km route takes you through Figgate Park, down the quiet Brunstane Burn Path, and along the sea at Musselburgh to Portobello Beach.
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Route overview
Our route starts at Figgate Park. A rather picturesque park considering its size; almost exactly 1km long east to west. If you’d like to get involved in maintaining the park’s beauty you can find out more here. Feel free to use this park as a warm-up before you start.
Figgate Park in winter Credit: Figgate Friends
Exit the park onto Baileyfield Road, left onto Southfield Road then immediately right onto Stanley Street.
Part 1 of the 9km Peaceful Figgate Park and Beach Run
Turn right down Hope Lane then left on the main road, Duddingston Crescent. At the big intersection, turn right onto the path with trees and go through the short tunnel then turn right.
Part 2 of the 9km Peaceful Figgate Park and Beach run
Continue down this path then turn left towards and past the car park. Take the staircase over the railway. The stairs aren’t very intense and are almost flat. After descending the stairs, turn left onto Gilberstoun then right onto Brunstane Road South then turn left and follow the sign for Brunstane Burn Path. Brunstane Burn Path is exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists and is well-paved.
Part 3 of the 9km Peaceful Figgate Park and Beach run
Where the path forks into three paths, turn right and continue to follow the path closest to the stream (on your right).
Part 4 of the 9km Peaceful Figgate Park and Beach run
When you reach the big building (which contains Newhailes Cafe as in the image below) turn left to pass it at the back, then left again to go to Newhailes Estate.
Part 5 of the 9km Peaceful Figgate Park and Beach run
The Newhailes Estate is a Palladian-style home built in 1686. This 34-hectare property has much beauty to offer with its footpaths on walks and garden features along the way. Recently, there has been some conservation and restoration work to return these features and the gardens to their former glory from 300 years ago. Outlander fans might recognise this house when Jamie and Claire were invited for dinner and Jamie discussed land grants with Governor Tyron. You can buy tickets to enter here or sign up here for a Trust membership which allows access to all Trust places and other benefits.
Newhailes Estate. Credit: Third Eye Traveller
Leave the estate the way you came continuing straight towards the car park. When you reach the roundabout, turn left (the first exit) onto Newhailes Road.
Part 6 of the 9km Peaceful Figgate Park and Beach run
Continue up this road, turn right where it ends then immediately left into Harbour Road and left into New Street. Continue down New Street then right onto Edinburgh Road to run closest to the sea.
Part 7 of the 9km Peaceful Figgate Park and Beach run
Continue straight on this road then turn right onto Esplanade Terrace or the Promenade to continue running along the sea towards Portobello.
Part 8 of the 9km Peaceful Figgate Park and Beach run
Musselburgh has four beaches namely Fisherrow East, West, Portobello Central, and Portobello. All of which you will pass on this run. Fun fact, Musselburgh’s history dates back to the Roman times. The Romans invaded Scotland in 80AD and has served as a place of settlement since then. Therefore, Musselburgh is the oldest continuously inhabited town in Scotland.
Portobello Beach at sunset
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Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our 9.5km Soothing Water of Leith Run.
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Download the GPX file here.