Water of Leith Path

The Water of Leith Pathway is a stunning pathway that connects the west end of Edinburgh to Stockbridge. This beautiful and peaceful pathway connects the Dean Village and Stockbridge. Along the path, there’s plenty of greenery and a river to provide a calm and zen-like feeling, especially when there aren’t many people. However, there are times when groups of tourists come in, which may make the pathway feel a bit touristy. Overall, it’s a pretty stunning pathway that changes the pace of your travel.

Nice walk, we caught 5he bus up to Colinton tunnel and walked back down all the way to the port. Best parts are Colinton tunnel to visitor centre and around Dean village if you want to just pick up the highlights.

We didn’t walk along the whole path but only visited the Dean Village area, which I think is an absolute must if visiting Edinburgh for at least 3 days! An oasis in the middle of the city. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, breathe in some fresh air and feel like in a fairy tale for a while, don’t miss out on Dean Village!

The taxi driver dropped us off. Then, we took a steep path descend to a hidden area. Wow, it worth the trip visiting Edinburgh. It is like time travelling to hundred years ago.

Water of Leith Walkway – A green sanctuary through the heart of Edinburgh Walking along the Water of Leith feels like stepping into a different world – one where the noise of the city fades and nature quietly takes over. Winding its way through shaded paths, old stone bridges and gentle riverbanks, this walkway is a true urban escape. The highlight? Dean Village – a picture-perfect corner of Edinburgh that feels more like a timeless village tucked into the hills than part of a bustling capital. Cobblestone lanes, historic buildings, and the sound of water flowing through the valley – it’s a peaceful retreat in the middle of it all. Whether you walk the full route or just a short stretch, this place slows you down in the best possible way.

Gorgeous morning stroll (or run!) to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy the local greenery next to cool water. It does seem to get busier towards midday and beyond, but still worth the visit.

Stunning walk along the river. We often walk towards Balerno from the Water of Leith visitor center and it is absolutely beautiful! It takes you through beautiful woodland and then up through Colinton tunnel which is decorated with amazing murals - well worth a visit! This section of the walk also links to the popular cycle 75 route and the Union canal into Edinburgh. A perfect place to walk dogs, especially if they like going in and out of the river, and usually very quiet and peaceful despite it's popularity. Also great for trail running! The path gets busier the closer you get to Leith, Edinburgh and particularly Dean Village but it's equally as beautiful and well worth seeing Dean Village from the waters edge.

From Leith to the Pentlandite hills the Water of Leith is a river worth following. Sections of footpath are maintained and are popular especially near Cannon Mills, Stockbridge and the Dean Village. Follow it upstream to Murrayfield and further on too. You can step off the path in lots of places to pick up a snack or search for a toilet! In rainy weather trees may keep you dryish but in many places the path can get slippery. The Dean Gorge with a weir and the Telford bridge and powder mills add to the architecture to spot on your walk as well as kingfishers, an otter apparently, herons and a naked man statue just upstream from the bridge in Stockbridge. What will he be wearing this week?