Slateford To The Jewel¶
Walk Metadata¶
Attribute |
Value |
|---|---|
Difficulty |
Low |
Distance |
10 km |
Duration |
3 hrs |
Elevation Gain |
Moderate |
Terrain |
Mostly paved (union canal towpath, cycle routes, urban paths) |
Can be done by public transport |
Yes |
Getting There¶
Start: Water of Leith Visitor Centre, Slateford
Train: None
Parking: Slateford
End: The Jewel, Edinburgh
Train: None
Parking: The Jewel
Route¶
Section Walked |
Distance |
Date |
|---|---|---|
Slateford to The Jewel |
10 km |
Description¶
Start at Water of Leith Visitor Centre: The walk begins at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre in Slateford, offering a peaceful start to this urban trail. From here, we follow the Union Canal towpath, a gentle and scenic route through Edinburgh’s countryside before entering the city.
Union Canal Towpath: We walked along the beautiful Union Canal with its distinctive character and houses overlooking the water. The towpath is mostly paved and well-maintained, making for easy walking. We passed the Leamington Lift Bridge and continued through Bruntsfield Links, a spacious parkland area offering green space in the heart of Edinburgh.
Holyrood Park: The route leads to Holyrood Park, dominated by Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano. While the main path bypasses the peak, opportunities exist for a moderate detour to climb Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views across Edinburgh and beyond (bring water for this optional climb).
Innocent Railway Cyclepath: We followed the Innocent Railway Bridge and cyclepath, a historic coal transport route now repurposed as a scenic walking and cycling trail. The path features remnants of railway tracks and has dim lighting in sections, so visibility varies. This section passes through mature woodland with diverse plant life.
Duddingston and The Jewel: Continuing through Duddingston with its Niddrie Burn featuring dense vegetation, the route transitions through interconnected trails toward Jewel Park. This section showcases the variety of Edinburgh’s urban green spaces before reaching The Jewel, our endpoint for this section of the John Muir Way.
This wonderfully varied first section showcases Edinburgh’s natural and cultural heritage, from peaceful canal towpaths to historic sites and urban parks, all accessible from the city center.
Notes¶
Cafes, Restaurants, Pubs, and Grocery Shops:
Bruntsfield offers some of Edinburgh’s best cafes and eateries
Water of Leith Visitor Centre has facilities
Public Toilets: Water of Leith Visitor Centre (10 am–4 pm), Meadows, Asda Jewel (minor detour)
Attractions:
Arthur’s Seat (ancient volcano with panoramic views, optional moderate climb)
Innocent Railway Tunnel (historic coal transport route, now cycling/walking trail)
Dr. Neil’s Garden (hidden garden near Duddingston Loch, open 10 am – dusk)
Newhailes House (18th-century Palladian villa with café, National Trust property)
Wildlife: Swans with cygnets on the Union Canal, numerous woodland birds, diverse vegetation including brambles and wildflowers in spring/early summer
Photos¶
