This there-and-back route totals a little bit over 21km. Start off with a scenic warm-up in the Royal Botanic Gardens, walk along the serene Water of Leith, through the birthplace of golf, and along the beach to Portobello. Grab your sunscreen, comfy running shoes, and a water bottle; let’s get to it!
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Route overview
The plants within the Royal Botanic Gardens are a living wonder. With thousands of species on display and curated intentionally, one does not need to be a botanist to appreciate what lies in front of them. There are species from all over the world, including parts of Asia, South Africa, and Morocco. Some of these species are extremely rare or on the verge of extinction. See the Garden’s Living Collection, including the Arboretum, Woodland Garden, Chinese Hillside, and more. In addition to admiring the foliage, you can take part through volunteering or develop your own green thumb with their courses and diplomas.
Royal Botanic Gardens. Credit: Solus Ceramics
Leaving the Gardens, exit at the East Gate and turn left onto Howard Place, then right onto Eildon Street. At the end of the road, turn right to stay on Eildon Street, then second left onto National Cycle Route 75.
Look out for the Party Crow Mosaic at feet level.
Exit the pathway onto Warriston Road, and turn left. At the Warriston Road bridge, turn right onto the pathway past the St. Marks Park playground. Just before the bridge, turn left and follow the path along the Water of Leith.
Part 1 of the Half-marathon Beach Run
After about 550 metres where the path splits, keep right to stay on National Cycle Route 75. The path veers slightly left away from the Water of Leith and goes under Newhaven Road bridge and South Fort Street bridge to run along the Water of Leith again before going under the last Great Junction Street bridge. Continue on this path closest to the water, then turn right onto Sandport Place, which becomes Tolbooth Wynd. At the curve of the road, continue onto Queen Charlotte Street, then right towards Leith Links.
Part 2 of the Half-marathon Beach Run
One of Edinburgh’s most loved features is the Water of Leith. Described as a “silver thread in a ribbon of green,” this 13-mile stretch of tranquillity provides the perfect escape from the city. Its history dates back to the Bronze Age, serving as a water source. Further on in its history is evidence of manor houses, castles, and mill sites dating back to the 12th Century. There is also evidence of industrial activity, which peaked in the late 1700s as there were 76 mill sites over 23 miles of river. The river has a powerful flow that was cleverly taken advantage of for grinding grain, wood, spices, snuff, paper making, and much more. If you’d like to learn more about each of the sections of the Walkway, you can listen to the audio trail here.
Water of Leith. Credit: Edinburgh Guide
Leith Links is considered the home of golf. In 1744, 13 rules were created during a golf tournament, and those same rules are the basis for modern-day golf. One golf player in particular has carved out a name for himself, or rather a monument. John Rattray, a surgeon and avid golfer, signed off on the original 13 rules. Rattray won that year and again two separate years after that. The prize was a silver club, the oldest golf trophy still played for today. To find out more about Mr. Rattray, see the plaques around the statue.
John Rattray Monument. Credit: The Home of Golf
Feel free to wander around the park and see the John Rattray Monument before you exit left onto Seafield Place, then right onto Salamander Street.
Part 3 of the Half-marathon Beach Run
This road takes you along the beach to Portobello. Run as far as you’d like, then turn around for the second half of the half-marathon.
Part 4 of the Half-marathon Beach Run
Portobello Beach is rather synonymous with Edinburgh in the summer. Sand, sunshine, ice cream, and the sound of the waves are a perfect setting for a bright sunny day. Although, Portobello is enjoyable in any season, the beach is always calming. Numerous events are held here, including the Big Beach Busk, international volleyball competitions, and triathlons. Clearly, this is a great spot for a quick stretch and maybe a snack or drink on the promenade.
Portobello Beach. Credit: The Telegraph
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Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our Walkways and Pathways Route.
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Information gathered from various sources, including Wikipedia.