Water of Leith: Slateford to Dean Village

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 2 takes us along the Water of Leith walkway, heading downstream from Slateford to Dean Village. 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 outside the Water of Leith Centre on Lanark Road. Grid reference: NT221707 | Nearest Postcode: EH14 1TQ | What3Words: going.cook.friday | Route Map. From the end point it is a short walk to Princes Street with bus services back to the start.