Water of Leith: Balerno to Slateford

Explore how varied bedrock and melting ice has shaped Edinburgh’s river in this series of three linked walks from source (almost) to sea.

THE ROCKS: The river runs over a variety of sedimentary rock formed in the Carboniferous Period, representing changing conditions as large rivers flowed across this area towards the sea. These rocks are not always visible, some are softer than others, and in many places tough layers of sandstone shape the course of the river. There’s a nice synchronicity that today’s river is shaped by rivers of the past: not just from the Carboniferous, but also from melting ice in much more recent times.

THE WALK: Day 1 takes us along the Water of Leith walkway, heading downstream from Balerno to Slateford. We will finish at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre on Lanark Road. I have classified this as an Easy Walk, on paths with some steps, that may be rough or slippery underfoot at times. It may be wet, windy or cold. Come equipped with strong footwear and waterproof clothing.  Duration 3 hours, distance 8 km.

MEETING POINT & ROUTE: Meet at the start of the Water of Leith walkway, Bridge Road, Balerno – adjacent to the entrance to Balerno High School. Grid reference: NT163668 | Nearest Postcode: EH14 7AQ | What3Words: down.tougher.fatigued | Route Map. The start and end points are both on Lothian Bus route 44.