The Water of Leith is a canal-side path that goes about 12 miles between Leith and Balerno. Leith is on the water, about 2 miles north of Edinburgh. It is a very pleasant path for a run. Combination of paved and gravel, and fairly easy to follow. The walkway passes through many areas of interest including: Colinton Village and Dell, the Union Canal, Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge, the Royal Botanic Garden and Leith. The closest pass to central Edinburgh is Royal Botanic Garden, about 2km west of the city center. The southwestern end of the path, in Balerno, is just west of Pentland Hills Regional Park. There’s a visitor center in Saughton. See table for key disrances.
Note: Consult website – there are periodic trail closures and public works.
The Water of Leith is a canal-side path that goes about 12 miles between Leith and Balerno. Leith is on the water, about 2 miles north of Edinburgh. It is a very pleasant path for a run. Combination of paved and gravel, and fairly easy to follow. The walkway passes through many areas of interest including: Colinton Village and Dell, the Union Canal, Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge, the Royal Botanic Garden and Leith. The closest pass to central Edinburgh is Royal Botanic Garden, about 2km west of the city center. The southwestern end of the path, in Balerno, is just west of Pentland Hills Regional Park. There’s a visitor center in Saughton. See table for key disrances.
Note: Consult website – there are periodic trail closures and public works.
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Essentials
About 19 km (12 miles) one way
680 feet over 12 miles
Northeast Start: Center of Leith, Commercial St.; Southwest end: Balerno.
Multiple Access Points. Closest pass to central Edinburgh is 2km west at Botanical Garden
A 4 mile 'runseeing' tour of Edinburgh's highlights. Start at Regent Gardens, head up Carlton Hill, then through Princess Gardens up to Castle Rock. The second half features High St./Royal Mile to the Holyrood Palace. It's a hilly run!
A "Highlands" experience a mile from Old Town Edinburgh, this run is a circuit of Holyrood Park. Open spaces, parkland, crags, and the imposing Arthurs Seat, the main mountain in Edinburgh. The route also features sections of Old Town.
Large public park just south of the city center. Wonderful open meadows with about 1.5 miles of paths. Can add another 1/2 mile with adjoining Bruntsfield Links.
A 4-mile pedestrian from the south side of Holyrood Park, to Portobello, through Duddingston Loch. A great standalone run, or can be combined with Holyrood Park, Portobello, and other routes.
Trail running heaven only 6 miles from Edinburgh. 100km of waymarked trails through meadows, farms, up and down hills, and along reservoirs. Several, moderate 'circular routes', and a challenging 7-mile loop recommended by Edinburgh Run Tours.
A fun spot for trail running 7 miles south of Edinburgh. Enjoy this lovely village, old inn, and Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by the DaVinci Code. The area is a gateway to Pentland Hills Regional Park, with 100 km of trails.
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Essentials
About 19 km (12 miles) one way
680 feet over 12 miles
Northeast Start: Center of Leith, Commercial St.; Southwest end: Balerno.
Multiple Access Points. Closest pass to central Edinburgh is 2km west at Botanical Garden
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!