Union Canal Towpath: Fountainbridge to Ratho

The Union Canal towpath walk runs about 13 km from Lochrin Basin in Fountainbridge, central Edinburgh, Scotland, west to Ratho. It takes three to four hours one way on a flat canal towpath with negligible elevation gain; the length rather than the terrain is what makes it a moderate outing. The start is Lochrin Quay (EH3), a short walk from the city centre and served by Lothian Buses. The end is the canal bridge at Baird Road in Ratho (EH28). Ratho has no railway station, so walkers should plan the return by Lothian Buses (check lothianbuses.com for the current service, about £2.20) or walk back along the towpath. No permit or fee is needed. The surface is compacted gravel and dirt with some paved stretches, generally firm but muddy in wet weather. Shade is patchy, with trees in places and open sections elsewhere. Landmarks include Slateford Aqueduct, which carries the canal over the Water of Leith, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA Ratho) beside the canal near the Ratho end, and the canal-side pubs and cafes in Ratho, which make a natural turn-around and rest point. The towpath is shared with cyclists, so walkers should stay alert for bells and keep to one side. Because the path follows a canal, getting lost is unlikely, and walkers can leave at various road bridges to reach buses if they tire. There are no huts, but cafes and pubs along the way provide food, drink and toilets. The distance is approximate. Spring and summer bring waterfowl and long daylight, and the route is a good introduction to walking out of Edinburgh without any climbing.