Water of Leith – Source to Shore

East Cairn Hill 561m above sea level. This view is facing NNW to Harperrig Reservoir 2km away.

The wee bridge pictured here crosses the Water of Leith near its source.

A year later showing the same little footbridge over the Water of Leith trickling from nearby Harperrig Reservoir.

In this south facing view both East Cairn Hill and West Cairn Hill are visible. The walk from the carpark on the A70 to the top of East Cairn Hill is 5 miles.

Between Balerno and Harperrig the Water of Leith flows over a ford.

Start of the Water of Leith Walkway, Bridge Street, Balerno. A stylised metal map set into the pavement at Balerno High School.

Not far from the start the path is squeezed inbetween the river and Lanark Road West.

A pipe crosses the river here supported by girders. Anyone considering this as a convenient bridge into Malleny park is thwarted by the radial railings in the middle.

From Balerno to Colinton Dell the path is mostly on the old railway line. This stone may be a remnant of a platform edge. Someone has chiseled an image of a steam train into it.

Magnificent trees line the riversides giving relief from the hot sun or temporary shelter from rain.

Reminiscent of a milestone or headstone - but it has a metal plate embedded in it.

On closer inspection the pattern and some text is revealed: RIVER RUBBINGS Water of Leith Conservation Trust 2001.

If walking from Balerno to Currie there's a fenced off site left of the path.

In August 2010 we crossed that bridge and climbed up these steps. A short walk along Lanark Rd West took us Kirkgate and we rejoined the Water of Leith Walkway there.

2 km east of Balerno High School is the road called Kirkgate which winds down from Lanark Road West near the centre of Currie.

I focused on the spider's web in this shot with Currie Kirk in the background.

Photographed from the Water of Leith Walkway where the old railway bridge crosses over the road from Currie village (same spot as previous picture).

Kirkgate - Taken in 2005

Details about the bridge.

Blinkbonny village is nearby on the south side of the river. This sign tells us we're 1½ miles from Balerno and 11 miles from Leith.

Not the best route to the Pentland Hills as there's a fair walk uphill on tarmac farm roads before you get to the hills

Infrared photo taken in April 2014.

This former industrial site has lain vacant for some time and the wall has been decorated with some colourful graffiti. December 2006.

Six years later the area remains abandoned and there's a few gaps in the fence. Lanark Road West is at the top of the slope above the river.

Broken walls and bricks are scattered around.

Lichen and moss are the first to colonise the concrete, soon followed by weeds and trees.

So far, only moss is growing on this patch.

Tanneries and paper mills once operated here; I once worked at a paper mill in nearby Juniper Green where cardboard was made.

A charming old house on the north bank of the river.

Photographed again in infrared in April 2014.

This is where the last 2 photos were taken from. June and July were wet months in 2012 and the moss growing on the wall is doing well as a result.

In 2005 this sign proclaimed the features of this scheme at Woodhall Mill, including 'distant laughter' maybe refering to the pub up the hill on Lanark Road.

December 2006 and how the scene looks in the low winter sun.

In 2012 the houses behind the wall on the left are now well established. The ornamental pond is quite nice but the fake water wheel isn't fooling anybody.

Gillespie Road descends from Lanark Road to cross the Water of Leith at Colinton Village. The footpath now overhangs the side, allowing the carriageway to be wider

An infrared view looking up at the bridge shows signs to Colinton Village, Slateford, Leith, Juniper Green, Balerno and Kirknewton.

This lane connects Bridge Road to Dell Road. When descending the steps there are intriguing views of cottages and gardens.

The back of a row of terraced cottages in nearby Colinton Village.

This is Dell Road in Colinton Village where it crosses the Water of Leith.

If walking past the little village church then you would travel along this path which descends to the riverside. A path on the left leads up to the former railway line.

A little eco-system on a log between Colinton village and the weir downstream.

This is invariably a damp and squelchy spot near the bottom of some steps. This path comes from Dell Road near the church and runs parallel to the main path. Steps lead down.

The weir not far downstream from Colinton Village.

Handheld at 1/6th second. Infrared view of the scene.

Similar view in normal colour.

A wide angle view of the western entrance.

A cyclist is emerging from the tunnel, heading west towards Juniper Green and Currie.

As seen from the right side of the path.

As we approached the tunnel we heard their parents behind us calling out to the children, telling them not to go any further. Infrared photo April 2014.

A monochrome view from inside the tunnel taken in 2002.

The water provides a soft background to better show the ivy on the stone parapet on one of the bridges where steam trains once crossed.

Steps go to the old railway line which leaves the Water of Leith valley, crossing Lanark Rd via a footbridge to join the Canal towpath at Redhall.

This is the complement of the signpost in the previous photo. It stands at the top of the steps featured in the following photo.

Walking from Currie or Balerno you'll have come via the E Hailes Gate tunnel. To continue via the dells, go down or continue to the canal and aqueducts.

This was a working river which powered mills from Colinton to Gorgie and beyond. This is on the left bank facing upstream beside Kate's Mill.

The same millstream in infrared, facing downstream.

A tiny bridge crosses the millstream and the downstream path continues up these steps before cutting back down to the left again.

Same location as above but photographed in infrared.

A tree was neatly sawn off but it's started to regrow. Update: In July 2011 we saw that the bridge had been fully repaired.

The blue sky appears dark, as does the path - but the foliage appears snowy white.

Photos named Colinton Dell may actually be Craiglockhart Dell. The boundaries are blurred as you approach Slateford on the right bank of the river.

When approaching Slateford village on the right bank you can cross over to visit Redhall Walled Garden. (Zoom in outside of the gallery.)

The path circles round the periphery before leading back to the entrance.

The entrance to Redhall Walled Garden.

This notice tells you all about the Dells. 'This impressive gorge was carved out by the Water of Leith. Flanked by woodland, it forms just part of the ribbon of green...'

The scene with the Slateford folly was looking rather splendid when we passed by in August 2010.

The interior of the building is decorated with seashells.

From here you cross the road to the Visitor Centre. Another stylised metal map is set into the pavement. The copper coloured sections represent Slateford Viaduct (where the trains run) and parallel to it, the Union Canal Aqueduct. A little to the south is Lanark Road.

The Visitor Centre. (The last few photos also in Water of Leith gallery)

The view out front.

After passing the Visitor Centre the walkway continues under the Union Canal aqueduct and the railway viaduct.

Shot in June 2001 on a very early Nikon digital camera. The brand new Water of Leith Walkway is suspended here under the viaduct arch. It also has steps leading up to the canal aqueduct.

Also shot in 2001 on my Nikon Coolpix E900 which boasted 1.2 Megapixels.

This and the next 3 photos taken in July 2011. Water trickles from the canal and helps windblown seeds germinate and grow.

The railway viaduct as seen through the arch of the aqueduct.

This pigeon walked along the ledge then squeezed through the gap in the hole.

Aqueduct on the left, railway viaduct on the right. Down below, the river flows downstream from left to right. At the back of the yard, Inglis Green Road passes through two arches.

September 2012. Some infrared photos of the Slateford area near the visitor centre.

The Water of Leith Walkway leads straight ahead. A runner is about to pass under the railway viaduct.

Under the aqueduct. The Water of Leith flows downstream towards the viaduct.

Up on the aqueduct beside the canal. Cyclists are requested to dismount here, partly for their own safety so as not to fall in the canal. When I skated over the frozen canal in the '60s the ice creaked alarmingly under my skates - but I made it over to Redhall.

Aqueduct on the left and railway viaduct on the right.

If you follow the canal route towards the city centre you'll encounter this second aqueduct over Slateford Road.

The river flows west briefly before turning north where Inglis Green Road changes its name to Longstone Road.

July 2001 - a look at the back of Saughton Prison as seen from the Water of Leith.

Saughton Allotments and Saughton Cemetery are close by. Wooden walkways and fences separate walkers from gardeners and cemetery visitors.

Having crossed Gorgie Road this is the view back towards Stevenson House.

The footpath continues adjacent to Stenhouse Avenue before reaching a stone bridge that crosses into Ford's Road - often confused with Forbes Road in Bruntsfield.

After a brief meander around Ford's Road area the river runs parallel to Gorgie Road before a sudden bend to the left.

Looking across the weir towards Gorgie Road. At the corner of Gorgie Road and Balgreen Road the river is diverted around the left edge of its natural flood plain until Roseburn.

The view up-river with Gorgie Road on the left.

The SW corner of Saughton Public Park showing the entrance bridge over the Water of Leith. The skate park is near here.

Balgreen Road meets Gorgie Road here. Rocks are piled up to strengthen the flood defences here where the river is diverted away from its natural flood plain. Once upon a time it was used to power snuff mills in Gorgie.

Saughton Park is right next to the river and has formal gardens behind a wall. There's also this bust of Mahatma Gandhi which was unveiled by an Indian Prime Minister.

Beside Balgreen Road, opposite the Skate Park, this sign invites you to continue your walk along the Water of Leith Walkway.

These bowling greens are at Balgreen immediately to the south of the main east-west railway line. Jenners building can be seen through the gantries over the train tracks.

The wooden bridge is open and leads to the Westfield area. This will lead you away from the Water of Leith towards Gorgie and the West Approach Road.

Recently constructed houses on the flood plain at Westfield, photographed in infrared.

Infrared view over the wooden footbridge.

350m east of Jenners is Pansy Walk and this footbridge over the Water of Leith, leading to Murrayfield and further down river. Turn right for Balgreen or cross the river then turn right for Westfield Avenue.

The footbridge at Pansy Walk.

The south view from the footbridge in the previous picture shows the 3 arches of the rail bridge.

Looking back towards the west arch of the rail bridge over the Water of Leith.

A swan family with 4 cygnets. The other adult was further downstream.

Looking directly down on one of the cygnets. Photographed from the bridge at Pansy Walk.

The previously pictured footbridge was added to divert pedestrians from this one which serves the rugby ground. At the end of Baird Drive is Balgreen Road and the Jenners building.

This old tree on the banks of the Water of Leith arches over the pathway as it nears Roseburn Park and the bridge to Riversdale Crescent.

In this infrared picture Riversdale Crescent is on the other side of the Water of Leith.

Looking downriver from the bridge connecting Riversdale to Murrayfield Ice Rink. The river has been diverted around the northern edge of its flood plain but the concrete hasn't prevented a sandbank from forming and a tree is thriving on it in September 2009.

June 2010 and the sandbank is a picture of health in this infrared shot. All that lush vegetation reflects the infrared light making leaves appear to glow white.

Infrared view up-river from the footbridge. Riversdale Crescent is on the right and Murrayfield Ice Rink is behind the trees on the left. June 2010.

In Riversdale Crescent outside the medical centre (on the left). Across the footbridge, part of Murrayfield Stadium can be seen. The ice rink is to its right.

From the other (south) side near the Ice Rink. The river is behind the trees - the main reason for the picture. I wanted to capture these old trees in infrared. (Gone now.)

This willow tree was just one of those in the next picture to disappear for flood works.

Looking downstream from the footbridge. The colours are autumnal in early November 2009.

Trees all gone and the ground is being levelled for flood prevention work.

Flood prevention work underway near the medical centre at Riversdale Crescent.

Signposts point the way.

The river runs behind the trees on the right. Many now chopped down for the floodworks.

Looking back over the old flood barrier towards Murrayfield.

To continue downstream, leave Roseburn Park and turn left to the pedestrian crossing and follow the signs.

Another picture included for reference. The cul-de-sac called Roseburn Cliff is next to a busy bus stop beside the river bridge. Walk up here to rejoin the footpath.

This picture was taken in November 2000.

The water is almost up to the top of the railing and is fast and turbulent.

November 2009 and although the path is under water it's not so severe this time. Cumbria had devastating floods but once again Edinburgh's geography saved it.

To reach this downstream end of the flooded path it's necessary to come down the steps on the left from the high bridge which used to carry the railway line.

These are the steps up the side of the bridge. Some cyclists may carry their bikes up and down here as it connects the cycle path to the Water of Leith Walkway.

Looking down the steps from the Cycle Path - Roseburn end.

The path from Roseburn to Belford was a green shady tunnel on this warm day in July 2010.

Looking down from the high bridge over the Water of Leith.

January 2004 - downriver from Roseburn.

The water is quite high at this time and a duck rests on someone's back lawn.

Sculptor Antony Gormley created the cast iron figures. This is the one nearest Dean Village.

The iron man stands just above Skinnery Weir.

This photo from November 2005 looks across the weir to the other side.

The metal bench overlooks Skinnery Weir. The bridge to the Gallery of Modern Art is in the background.

Another older photo from 2000. It shows the flood at Skinnery Weir has swamped the footpath.

This part of the path heads downstream (east) at the back of Donaldson's and parallel to Douglas Crescent. The Water of Leith is behind the mossy wall on the left.

Damp, green fur is what the moss resembles by sight and touch.

A thistle sculpted from stone decorates the wall. Continue through the gap to descend to the lower path. October 2001.

If you walk the riverside path between Belford Bridge and Roseburn you'll find this stairway up to the area behind the former Donaldson's School.

Having walked past that mossy wall the next part of the path is down the ramp shown here - to a lower level path with railings. Picture from 1999.

This photo shows the high water level in 2000.

Compare the water level with this picture and the next one!

This footbridge leads across to the Hilton hotel

The footbridge here crosses to the walkway at the other side of the river. The steps here lead to private gardens behind Douglas Crescent.

After crossing the footbridge the path continues downstream along this wooden walkway which is supported by steel girders where it passes below Belford Road.

Bridge carrying Belford Road across the valley, connecting the Gallery of Modern Art on the left to Dean Village on the right.

On the bridge looking upriver. The walkway is down below on the right beside the hotel grounds.

The same scene viewed from down below. A helpful signpost shows the way.

Smoothed by camera app.

On the bridge looking downriver. The comparatively recent houses of Sunbury Place are on the east bank of the river. (Picture updated April 2014)

The same scene viewed from down below. A helpful signpost shows the way.

Facing upstream towards Belford from Dean Village direction. The gorge is steep here where the river bends and prone to landslides.

Following a landslide which closed the footpath the ground next to the path has been stabilised by wooden planks and metal reinforcements.

A sunny day in April 2014 saw walkers disregarding PATH CLOSED signs and walking along this section of the path. We saw the same thing happening at Colinton Dell.

Another infrared photo shows people approaching part of the path that had been barricaded off.

I balanced precariously to take pictures back in 1999. We found a short detour.

Our detour round the flood was via Damside to Dean Path, the main road through the village. After crossing the river the road continues up Bell's Brae. The Water of Leith Walkway continues from the Bell's Brae side.

Climbing along the fence enabled me to get more photos and some video.

Blending multiple shots together to smooth the water.

The footpath is visible in the background, leading upstream.

A classic view of Dean Village but photographed in infrared.

Similar view in normal colour.

Another view showing the Water of Leith flowing under the bridge.

Included here for historical reasons because the overgrown site to the left of the footbridge has long since been built on. The children are my son and daughter as they were in the late '70s.

An early shot (late '70s) of the village from the Dean Bridge. Taken with a fisheye lens.

A dramatic view down to the village only 500m from Princes Street and the city centre. The Water of Leith is flowing east under the bridge.

Assorted stones in the water, many of which have been painstakenly balanced on top of one another to make simple sculptures.

2nd infrared view but from the other side of the bridge.

Infrared view upstream from the Dean Path / Bells Brae bridge.

From the same bridge the view downstream. The church overlooks the north end of Dean Bridge.

Before continuing down the path, some views from the Dean Bridge. The viewpoint here is directly over the route downstream.

The Water of Leith is down below on the right, overlooked by the rear of Randolph Crescent. The tenement houses to the left are Great Stuart Street. The gardens in the foreground are private - but the Water of Leith Walkway on the other side is public.

On the other side of Dean Bridge facing downriver. The New Town streets on the right are Randolph Crescent, Great Stuart Street and Ainslie Place.

DEAN BRIDGE 1832 DESIGNED BY THOMAS TELFORD BORN ESKDALEMUIR 1757

The Water of Leith and the weir from private Dean Gardens

The weir at Dean Village from Dean Gardens.

A heron landed in the pool just below the weir.

Taking the low riverside path downstream. The public path is on the other bank.

On the opposite bank is St Bernard's Well, also having an open day,

A veranda runs along the foot of the building and above its left end is this plaque. I can just read the name Nelson carved into the pink granite. The gold coloured text above is more legible.

Back down on the path, having passed below Thomas Telford's Dean Bridge, this is the view approaching Saint Bernard's Well.

The Dene near Saunders Street.

The same two arches as in the picture above but large and small - instead of small and large. This is at the end of Saunders Street facing upriver.

A diagonal view across Deanhaugh street's bridge. At the bottom of the clock tower there are steps down to the riverside - see the next picture.

If you're walking on this stretch of the Water of Leith footpath then it's necessary to cross Deanhaugh street at the bridge. The steel stairs descend to the path once more which continues to Arboretum Avenue and Bridge Place. Glenogle Road leads to Canonmills.

About 200m along Saunders Street is the main road from the city centre; this section is Deanhaugh Street and it crosses the river here where you can see this Gormley statue.

I had to go behind these railings to take the Gormley photos.

Further downstream in Stockbridge there are a variety of building types overlooking the Water of Leith.

This shows the footpath from Deanhaugh Street bridge to Bridge Place and Glenogle Road.

Some interesting balconies and verandas with good views of the river.

Same buildings, different viewpoint, different light.

Crossing Bridge Place continues the Water of Leith path downriver.

As the path continues east there are views of the Stockbridge colony houses across the river.

Another view of one of the colony streets.

This attractive footbridge leads from Rocheid Path to Bell Place.

The bridge in the previous picture has been replaced after the flood prevention work.

Approaching Tanfield near Inverleith Row. The footbridge leads to Brandon Terrace and Canonmills. There are toilets here at the road junction beside the bridge.

A sign informs walkers that Princess Anne opened the Tanfield footbridge.

Looking towards Inverleith Row from the window of a second floor flat. The main road crosses the Water Of Leith, just beyond the clock. Photographed late '70s.

Looking towards Inverleith Row from the window of a second floor flat. The main road crosses the Water Of Leith, just beyond the clock.

I thought I'd better photograph this building because I believe planning permission has been given to build something larger here next to the river bridge.

The former railway bridge over the river carries the cycle path from Canonmills Tesco to Warriston Cemetery and beyond. Someone called Dan has erected a sign assuring us he's alive.

To follow the river you should of course walk along Warriston Road, rather than take the former railway path from Tesco at Canonmills.

Infrared photo taken April 2014 showing one end of a closable flood barrier.

Warriston Road crosses the river up ahead and turns left towards Warriston Crematorium. The riverside path continues just over the bridge on the opposite (north) bank.

The same stretch of road from further back, photographed in infrared with the flood defences updated.

Not my photo but it shows the Water of Leith overflowing the wall in the July floods. If you are or know the photographer let me know and I'll give credit where it's due.

Again, not my photo. From the same area as the previous image but facing east rather then west. If you are - or know the photographer let me know and I'll give credit where it's due.

The bridge has a plaque ST MARKS BRIDGE and to its left is the entrance to St Mark's Park and the footpath leading downstream.

St Mark's Park

A look back at the bridge from the downstream side.

Photographed in May 2011, this is another of the Gormley statues.

Not far away the path descends past these trees, closer to the river. It can be quite muddy down here if it's been raining recently.

Various remnants of Victorian railway construction can be found hereabouts. To continue pass through this little arch.

Having passed through the arch there's now a clearer view of this brick pillar whose function eluded me until Broughton Spurtle @theSpurtle informed me its function is to vent a sewer running underneath.

The river is quite wide here just before it flows over a weir. Houses from Redbraes and Bonnyhaugh areas are on the other side of the water.

Just past the houses at Bonnyhaugh Lane, there's a bend to to the right and the river flows eastward again. The wall on the right bank is a necessary flood barrier.

In May 2011 new flood defences are being constructed here.

At this bend the water's flow changes from north west to north east. The autumn colours look good in the late October sunshine. The wall here has extra reinforcements in case of torrents, but the wall on the other side is higher to (hopefully) better protect the housing development.

Autumn colours and blue sky reflected in calm waters.

An infrared view from the same standpoint looking upriver. The new flood barrier is on the opposite bank.

Looking downstream from here there's a glimpse of the white building overlooking Newhaven Road beside the bridge.

The path climbs a little and merges with the former railway path from Canonmills to Leith. If continuing downriver, this view would be a glance back over your left shoulder.

A few minutes walk along this path is necessary before you can rejoin the riverside path again. Newhaven Road lies ahead.

The steps up to Newhaven Road on the north side of the path. A sign indicates the way.

'Leith 1¼ (Following River)' states the helpful sign. Climb these steps to continue. The next photo (taken earlier) faces back down the steps you must climb.

Mulberry Place is the name of the block of flats on the west side of Newhaven Road. The sign indicates the Water of Leith Walkway under the bridge.

90 metres south of the bridge in the previous picture lies the bridge (built 1902) from which this picture was taken. Residents of these houses and the newer ones on the opposite bank must worry when the river is high.

May 2011. We couldn't quite see the purpose of the two barriers across the river, partially divering it.

Looking downriver from the bridge on Newhaven Road you can see a footbridge and, in the distance, the red brick building at Anderson Place.

From the footbridge (last picture) is this view back to Newhaven Road bridge.

Looking back over the bridge before continuing into a shadowy area.

These stretches of the walkway are more recent but provide access to interesting architectural remnants beside the river.

A small detour round this old pipe has been crafted by the path builders.

A partially complete cast iron building support merges with the old wall. Spontaneous greenery contrasts with the rusty metal.

The same thing again but this one's only got two out of six possible segments. I don't think the 'cogs' were ever intended to be actual cogs as they're disproportionally large.

Windblown seeds have taken root in crevices in the wall and bring a splash of colour in May 2011.

After crossing to the left bank there's now a closer view of Anderson Place.

As the path climbs a gentle slope a Gormley statue is seen in the water.

The recent rain caused a modest rise in water levels and has swept a lot of branches and twigs into the metal man's rear.

Zoomed in a bit...

...and zoomed in a bit more. Hopefully the branches will be removed soon.

Revisited in May 2011. The previous debris has been replaced by a solitary strip of wood.

Zoomed in. I reckon somebody will throw a stone at the piece of wood and it'll drift away.

Anderson Place lies straight ahead.

Anderson Place photographed in infrared. April 2014.

A vertical view of the scene showing the river passing under the bridge.

Low winter sun creates long shadows from the fire escape across the brick walls of this former industrial building - now houses. At Anderson Place turn left (north) and after a few metres turn right (east) into West Bowling Green Street - then left after 66 metres to the north bank.

Having left Anderson Place and entered West Bowling Green Street you may get a view like this and be puzzled (as I was) as to where the path is...

in April 2014 the buildings on the right side of the street (previous picture) have been demolished and the empty site has been fenced off.

Aha! The advice neatly stencilled on a manhole cover advises readers to OPEN YOUR EYES. (This seemed to have faded away when we passed in 2014.)

The path resumes just beyond the stone pillar on the left of this picture.

That's the path straight ahead.

Through the gap I glimpsed one of the twin multistoreys near North Junction Street.

The view west from the other end of the street. This and the next two pictures from a previous occasion.

The sign on the bridge pictured above. The text is legible and gives details of the bridge's construction in 1886. The Water of Leith passes below as can be seen in the next picture.

The water shows little sign of flowing in this view back to Anderson Place (facing south west). It's possible that the tidal barrier is keeping the water level constant from here to the sea.

Back on the Water of Leith Walkway and things are a bit more picturesque in the Autumn sunshine. Beyond the trees lies Largo Place, a cul-de-sac off Ferry Road.

The Quilts (houses) and Ballantyne Road lie over to the right. Near here the water level becomes constant: no noticeable flow because of the tidal barrage at the docks.

The Water of Leith Walkway rejoins the old railway path from Canonmills. The familiar brown and white signpost points the way.

Two infrared photos looking upstream from this point.

Zoomed in on the building back at Anderson Place.

The first of four shots looking down the straight stretch to Great Junction Street.

Fallen leaves.

An LRT bus crosses the river heading towards the foot of Leith Walk.

An ad on the bus gives a freephone number for help for smokers wanting to quit.

An earlier photo.

Having walked under Great Junction Street, you can join it via Coburg Street.

The rubbish that has floated down the Water of Leith gets trapped behind this floating boom. It used to be further back and has presumably been relocated to this less obvious place where Ocean Drive crosses the entrance to Victoria Dock. A coot seems unperturbed by the junk and dives for fish nearby.

This is a lock gate where the water coming from the Water of Leith is held back. Just like Holland but not on such a grand scale.