Water of Leith Walkway: Balerno to Edinburgh
Edinburgh
The Water of Leith Walkway from Balerno to Edinburgh is a wonderfully dog friendly urban trail, following the river downstream through some of the city's most peaceful green corridors. The route traces old railway lines and riverside paths through Colinton Dell, Craiglockhart Dell and the Dean Village, offering a surprisingly wild experience just minutes from the city centre.
Dogs are extremely welcome and you will see dozens on any given day. The path is mostly flat and well surfaced, making it suitable for all abilities. Keep dogs on lead at road crossings and busier sections near Slateford and Stockbridge. There are cafes and toilets at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre near Slateford, plus plenty of options in the villages along the way. Parking is limited at Balerno; public transport via Lothian Buses is recommended.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 12.5 km (7.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- River, Woodland
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Water of Leith Visitor Centre at Slateford with cafe and toilets; additional facilities in villages along the route.
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking near Balerno High School on Bridge Road; public transport recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Water of Leith Walkway: Balerno to Edinburgh dog friendly?
The Water of Leith Walkway is a brilliant choice for dog owners, earning a strong 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. Dogs are extremely welcome along the route, and on any given day you can expect to see plenty of fellow four-legged walkers enjoying the riverside paths and leafy gorges.
Can dogs be off lead at Water of Leith Walkway: Balerno to Edinburgh?
There are good stretches along this route where dogs can enjoy some freedom, particularly through the quieter green corridors like Colinton Dell and Craiglockhart Dell. That said, you should keep your dog on lead at road crossings and in the busier sections near Slateford and Stockbridge.
What should I know before visiting Water of Leith Walkway: Balerno to Edinburgh with my dog?
The path is mostly flat and well surfaced, making it accessible for dogs and owners of all abilities. Parking at the Balerno end is limited, so travelling by Lothian Buses is recommended if you can. If you need a break along the way, the Water of Leith Visitor Centre near Slateford has a cafe and toilets, with further options in the villages en route.
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