Walking is one of the best ways to get around Edinburgh, especially if you are exploring the streets of the Old Town. For a first look, join our free walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Edinburgh is a very walkable city
Apart from the outer suburbs, you can walk from one end of Edinburgh to the other in little more than an hour.
Walking around Edinburgh is also safe at any time of day. Just take care when crossing the street: pedestrian lights are short, and remember that in the UK cars drive on the left, so always look both ways.
The labyrinth of the Old Town
The Old Town will test your sense of direction, with bridges and alleys heading off in every direction in a very haphazard layout. It’s a good idea to keep a map handy so you don’t get lost.
You will also find plenty of hills in the Old Town, although you can avoid some of them depending on your route. Use the bridges, which were built precisely for that. A good example is North Bridge, which takes you straight to Princes Street in the New Town, and under which, you’ll notice, there is no river at all!
Be prepared for all kinds of weather
The weather in Edinburgh is very changeable all year round. Check the forecast and always carry something warm, as well as waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.
Bear in mind that the wind often blows hard, and on a windy, rainy day an umbrella won’t be much use.
The good news is that, although it rains on many days of the year, the rain is rarely persistent or very heavy.
Walking routes in Edinburgh
Edinburgh invites you to discover it on foot. If you want to explore the Old Town properly, there is really no other way: part of the Royal Mile is pedestrianised, and the countless alleys (called closes or wynds) can only be explored on foot.
The city is also full of parks and gardens, some worth a visit in their own right, where you can enjoy nature and typical Scottish landscapes without leaving the city.
To find the best views of Edinburgh, you will usually have to walk. One example is Calton Hill, where you can enjoy the classic view of the Old Town, the most photographed in the city, just a few minutes’ walk from Princes Street.
Here are some routes that will let you escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre without going very far.
1. Arthur’s Seat
The highest peak in Holyrood Park, which, at 250 metres high, dominates Edinburgh and its surroundings.
The foot of the hill is right next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the end of the Royal Mile, and it may not look very high, but the climb is tough.
We recommend hiking boots and warm clothing, as it is often very windy at the top. Bring some water too, as there is nowhere to fill up along the way.
Going up and down on foot will take you over an hour, but it’s worth it for the spectacular views over Edinburgh and the surrounding area.
2. Water of Leith
Alongside the Water of Leith, the small river that crosses Edinburgh, you can follow about 12 miles (20 km) of walkway between Balerno and Leith.
The dense vegetation will make you forget you are in a city, and the river is very clean, judging by the number of fish you can see.
The busiest section is the one between Dean Village and Stockbridge, Edinburgh’s most bohemian neighbourhood, and with good reason: it is beautiful.
The final stretch is also very interesting, next to the mouth of the river in the old port of Leith, an area with very good restaurants where you can also visit the Royal Yacht Britannia.
3. Union Canal
Built at the beginning of the 19th century, the Union Canal starts at Fountainbridge, today right in the centre of Edinburgh. Its towpath offers a lovely walk out towards the edge of the city.
It is also a great way to understand how goods were transported during the Industrial Revolution, and to see some curious boats.
Most people walk for a while and turn back, but if you kept going for 31 miles (50 km), you would reach Falkirk, where the Union Canal joins the Forth & Clyde Canal through a modern boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel.
The Forth & Clyde Canal can also be walked and would take you all the way to Glasgow, after a little over 66 miles (106 km) from Edinburgh!
