Leith to South Queensferry. 13.5 Miles

NEW! See the campaign for a National Coastal Path for Scotland. Click HERE

John Muir Way Guide Book

From the docks at Leith, head west along the road towards Newhaven and the harbour. The road is a busy one and you just keep following the road out towards Granton. Pass along Lower Granton where there is a disused lighhouse, and the road eventually comes out at Caroline Park at Silverknowes. Follow the path through the park until you reach the village of Cramond, where you will then have to follow the river Almond up to the crossing point at Crammond Bridge. (You may be able to wade across the river at low tide and save yourself a 3 mile detour). At the Cobble cottage, pick up the path leading to south Queensferry which passes through the Dalmeny estate. At South Queensferry, walk along the Esplanade to reach the Forth Bridges where this walk ends.

BLOG:

I started from Leith waterfront whih has been done up in recent years and has a varierty of trendy waterfront bars and design shops. Walking west towards Newhaven which has been almost swamped by Leith, I could see the extent of the construction of new flats overlooking the harbour. Leith resembled London’s dockyard area. There were flats being built at Granton harbour too, but probably not as yuppified as those at Leith. Grnaton itself was by and largely still run down and I was glad to be back on the road out to Cramond. Having lived in Edinburgh, I knew Cramond to be the place where people visit for the day. It wasnt too crowded however and I stopped and had a coffee and wondered whether I could wade across the river Almond at low tide. I was trying to get to the other side which was at most 30 yards across the river. However I didnt wait for the tide to turn and decided instead to walk along the river Cramond to Cramond bridge and back down the either side. Once I made the other side I could see Barnbougle castle in the distance. From there it was a short walk into South Queensferry to see the Bridges. The Forth Railway bridge is showing signs of its age now, and you have to remember how long this iron structure can remain standing before it needs replaced by something else. It is still a very impressive feat of engineering.