I finally made it to the Water of Leith Visitor Centre this week. The Centre is in a converted school on the Lanark Road. This is the halfway point of the Water of Leith Walkway, the “silver thread in a ribbon of Green” which traverses Edinburgh between Balerno and Leith.

Union Canal viaduct

The Union canal flows in a 500 foot high, eight arched viaduct as it crosses the Water of Leith. The Visitor Centre has leaflets of the “Slateford Saunter”, a short circular walk where you cross the viaduct, walk to Colinton Dell and then along the Water Of Leith. I did the saunter and enjoyed it, again amazed that I felt I was in the countryside although I was in a city.

Colinton Dell, Water of Leith Walkway

You can read more about the Water of Leith Walkway and other less well known attractions in my guide to Edinburgh off the beaten track.

Click here for the lowest prices on Edinburgh hotels