Water of Leith Walkway (Stockbridge)

The Water of Leith Walkway is a riverside path that follows the Water of Leith through Edinburgh, Scotland, and the Stockbridge section starts near Saunders Street in the Stockbridge district north of the New Town. The path runs from Dean Village through Stockbridge towards Leith, passing under bridges and between tree-lined banks that feel remote from the city centre. In Stockbridge, the walkway passes the Georgian terraces and the footbridges that cross the river, and it links with Raeburn Place, which is lined with vintage shops, delis, cafes and independent boutiques. A Sunday Stockbridge Market sells street food, baked goods and crafts. The walk is free and open during daylight hours, and visitors typically spend one to three hours depending on how far they walk and how long they stop. The path is mostly level and easy to follow, with benches and viewpoints along the way. Wildlife such as herons and ducks can sometimes be seen along the river, and the Water of Leith Conservation Trust provides information about the river and its wildlife on its website. Weekend mornings are a popular time to visit, combining a walk with the market, while weekday mornings are quieter and suit those who prefer solitude. The walkway can be reached by walking 15 minutes north from Princes Street, or by taking Lothian Buses to Raeburn Place. Walkers can follow the path in either direction, towards Dean Village and the Gallery of Modern Art side, or onwards towards Leith and the coast. Surfaces can be muddy after rain, so sturdy shoes are advisable, and lighting is limited after dark, so the walk is best done in daylight. Cafes and pubs on Raeburn Place offer a good stop before or after the walk.