Description
An alternative to Curedi one, that removes some of its plotting errors, avoids all flights of stairs, and is more off-road for the final 2km. The start is easily accessible from Curriehill station, and for roughly the first half follows the Water of Leith Walkway (formerly the Balerno Branch railway line), before joining the Union Canal towpath (also on the John Muir Way) to Lochrin Basin in Fountainbridge. From there it follows a quiet back route past the EICC and the back of the Sheraton Hotel to Rutland Square and the West End. Finally the route passes down Princes Street, with a diversion down into Princes Street Gardens (NB opens at 7am, closes at dusk), before passing through East Princes Street Gardens and then arriving at Waverley Station. Apart from the final section, the route follows National Cycle Network route 75. A very green, quiet/traffic-free and pleasant route, gently downhill for most of the way, with no stairways (though a few steep'ish slopes) and a good surface for nearly the whole way. One tricky point (e.g. for wheelchair users, buggy pushers, cyclists etc.) is the Slateford Aqueduct that only has a narrow, cobbled, towpath - so patience and care needed at that point (see photos)
An alternative to Curedi one, that removes some of its plotting errors, avoids all flights of stairs, and is more off-road for the final 2km. The start is easily accessible from Curriehill station, and for roughly the first half follows the Water of Leith Walkway (formerly the Balerno Branch railway line), before joining the Union Canal towpath (also on the John Muir Way) to Lochrin Basin in Fountainbridge. From there it follows a quiet back route past the EICC and the back of the Sheraton Hotel to Rutland Square and the West End. Finally the route passes down Princes Street, with a diversion down into Princes Street Gardens (NB opens at 7am, closes at dusk), before passing through East Princes Street Gardens and then arriving at Waverley Station. Apart from the final section, the route follows National Cycle Network route 75. A very green, quiet/traffic-free and pleasant route, gently downhill for most of the way, with no stairways (though a few steep'ish slopes) and a good surface for nearly the whole way. One tricky point (e.g. for wheelchair users, buggy pushers, cyclists etc.) is the Slateford Aqueduct that only has a narrow, cobbled, towpath - so patience and care needed at that point (see photos)
Status
This route has been reviewed by 5 people.
There are no issues flagged.
Photos for Curedi two
Photos of this route will appear when they are added to a review. You can review this route here.
Information
Route status - Live
Reviews - 5
Average rating -
Is this route good enough? - Yes (5)
There are currently no problems reported with this route.
Downloads - 4
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Geography information system (GIS) data
Total length
Maximum elevation
Minimum elevation
Start and end points
Currie
Grid Ref
NT1826067811
Lat / Lon
55.89645° / -3.30870°
Easting / Northing
318,260E / 667,811N
What3Words
perky.yards.sands
Edinburgh
Grid Ref
NT2569673813
Lat / Lon
55.95157° / -3.19147°
Easting / Northing
325,696E / 673,813N
What3Words
shape.pads.choice
| Currie | |
|---|---|
| Grid Ref | NT1826067811 |
| Lat / Lon | 55.89645° / -3.30870° |
| Easting / Northing | 318,260E / 667,811N |
| What3Words | perky.yards.sands |
| Edinburgh | |
|---|---|
| Grid Ref | NT2569673813 |
| Lat / Lon | 55.95157° / -3.19147° |
| Easting / Northing | 325,696E / 673,813N |
| What3Words | shape.pads.choice |
Sorry Land Cover data is not currently available for this route. Please check back later.
reviews
Team Tato
19 Jun 2023A very beautiful route that is ideal for walking, cycling, or running (the latter two of which we did on this occasion as my husband is training for a marathon and I am not...). As previous reviews state, this route is mostly off road along the Water of Leith walkway and the Union Canal towpath, with the only tricky part being the short section along the Slateford Aqueduct. Will absolutely walk this route again.
Doug Bridgens
08 Feb 2023This route is all the better for taking the 'high path' via the Colinton tunnel, rather than the usual (and usually muddy) Water of Leith river path. You get all the views, with a better walking/cycling surface.
I nipped into Molly's Bakery at Juniper Green for a sit down coffee (also has toilets). Bear in mind, if you're starting early, most cafes near the route open at 10am.
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Mtormey
02 Oct 2022I walked this route from Edinburgh to Currie and found it extremely enjoyable!
The route from Waverley to the canal is awesome. It largely follows an established cycle route so from what I could tell it was an all-hours and step-free route, using a very creative but very seamless route. It was really cool. Even the local I walked with was surprised by this route and how good it was!
One note is that the route has you enter Princes Street Gardens and then a block later exit it again. When I walked, the gardens were closed, but it was easy enough just sticking to Princes Street.
Then comes a nice long stretch along the canal, which is easy and pleasant. Note if you’re walking towards Currie the route will be generally uphill, and you just might start noticing it by the end of the walk!
The aqueduct was a bit uncomfortable, a narrow and high up cobbled path. Luckily I walked when it wasn’t too busy but it was a bit spooky!
Then comes the rest of the route, a very comfortable walk along a paved cycle route from the canal all the way to Currie. The tunnel was a special highlight, as were the many waterfalls on the way.
This route really was a fantastic walk. No complains. Full marks. I’d happily walk it again.
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Heiba Lamara
24 Apr 2023Hello from @Slowways! We'd love to feature your review as part of our new "Review of the week feature" on the Slow Ways blog. Do we have your permission to do so and would you be up for answering a few questions about your walk? Many thanks!
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Mtormey
24 Apr 2023Absolutely!! Feel free to email me any questions!!
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CatrionaS
22 Apr 2022Really interesting route suggestion once you get to the city to avoid busy roads. Very creative! The rest of the route is lovely but can be a bit muddy at times particularly near the Colinton Tunnel because of its popularity.
The only suggestion I might make, but it does involve steps, is to keep on the Water of Leith path down to the Visitors Centre on Lanark Road before joining the canal path if you have an issue with the height and narrowness of the aqueduct at Slateford.
Great route.
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Ben
09 Jan 2022For my first slow ways route I chose this one as I've walked it, or parts of it, many times. An excellent route starting from fairly rural surroundings getting more and more built up as you head into the heart of Edinburgh.
Paths are really good and amazing that roads can be avoided almost completely even towards the city centre.
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