Water of Leith Edinburgh
River through the city
Tamsin from Edinburgh
The Water of Leith is a river that runs from one side of Edinburgh to the other. It is tree-lined, sometimes fast-flowing over weirs, at others ambling and rambling over little rocks, and there are ducks, swans and even kingfishers to be seen. It can be accessed at multiple parts of the city, usually by steps or ramps down. It is sometimes accessible for wheels (buggies wheelchairs etc) and often not.
The Water of Leith runs through some of Edinburgh’s most scenic cultural sites: the Colinton Tunnel, Saughton Public Park, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge, Edinburgh’s Shore, and Leith Docks.
I walk it on warm Sundays for the shade, on Spring Mondays with friends, picnic beside it, and sit meditatively alongside its waters when I need a break from the computer. There are wooden bridges and metal ones, it goes behind old red sandstone buildings and around monuments. There is art (see the Antony Gormley sculptures) and nature in abundance. You can take a guided walk or wear your wellies and go dipping (for 4-10 year olds), learn outdoor skills like building a camp, deciding what foraged foods you dare eat, and identifying drinkable water (8-12 years). Adults: take a book and find a log to perch on, or get some fresh-air exercise in beautiful surroundings; I know you will enjoy exploring!
Walking and otter spotting is free. Some activities have a cost. Excellent Visitor Centre
Edinburgh Spotter Tamsin
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