Water of Leith

14 October 2022|Read time 3 mins

The Water of Leith is Edinburgh's waterway and can be enjoyed from a 12-mile walkway. It is a chance to escape from the busy city centre.

Most capital cities are built around a river. Edinburgh is the notable exception to that rule. Instead, the city grew up around its castle rock. But Edinburgh does have a river, just not a well-known one.

The Water of Leith: A silver thread in a ribbon of green

The Water of Leith stretches for 24 miles from its source in the Pentland Hills through the heart of Edinburgh to the port of Leith. 

A 12 mile-walkway completed in the early 2000s offers an alternative view of Edinburgh for those who enjoy getting active while on holiday.

Edinburgh's industrial centre

For many years, the Water of Leith (described as a "silver thread in a ribbon of green") was the centre of Edinburgh's industry. 

It played host to paper, fabric and flour mills. That activity has disappeared, though many of the buildings remain.

Winding through the centre of Edinburgh, you can join the Water of Leith walkway and leave it at will. 

One of our favourite stretches to walk is the section of the river between Stockbridge and Dean Village.

This historic area takes walkers from the fantastic area of Stockbridge, with its many independent shops and cafes, to the stunning Dean Village, an oasis in the middle of Edinburgh.

Along the path, you will pass St Bernard's Well. The story goes that three people found a spring at this site in 1760, a time when 'taking the waters' was seen to be a remedy for ill health.

The well is easily recognisable by the statue of the Greek Goddess of health, Hygeia, and is perhaps a surprising find in this idyllic part of Edinburgh.

Dean Village used to be home to water mills and today visitors can still see Well Court, which dates back to the 1880s and used to house local workers. 

Have your camera ready as Dean Village is one of the most stunning, and unexpected, sights to see during your self-catering trip to Edinburgh.

Snowdrops along the Water of Leith

Each spring we take huge pleasure in seeing banks of snowdrops around us. 

We know from previous years that wild garlic appears by the river too. Daffodils are never far away either.

Local children have named the heron who lives on the water (he is called "Old Harry").

Buggies, cyclists and horses

The route is suitable for buggies (though beware of over-friendly dogs and exhausted joggers); cycling is also permitted. 

You can even go horse riding along the walkway, although I am glad to say I have never personally had to share the path with a horse.

The walkway passes many points of interest: Colinton Village and Dell, the Union Canal, Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield stadium, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Leith.

Patches of ancient woodland

It is home to more than 80 species of bird. Designated an Urban Wildlife Site, the river banks are host to many dramatic trees, including patches of ancient woodland.

A good destination on a walk could be the Water of Leith visitor centre near Slateford. 

You can find out more about the heritage and wildlife of the river in an interactive exhibition there.

Enjoy our 'silver thread'

When you visit Edinburgh make sure to take a walk along the Water of Leith. 

This fantastic space offers a great opportunity to reconnect with nature during your self-catering trip to the city.

After exploring this area, why not relax in Princes Street Gardens or take on the challenge of climbing Arthur's Seat?