South Queensferry to Edinburgh

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Overview

Distance:

15.5 miles, 24.8 km

Average time to complete:

7 hours' walking, 3 hours' cycling

Description

South Queensferry affords you superb views of all three of Scotland's famous Forth bridges; be sure to get out at sunset (or dawn if you’re keen) to capture them at their best. From South Queensferry you start to enter the outskirts of the city, passing through the coastal Dalmeny estate. If you've time, why not visit the largest Napoleonic collection outside France in Dalmeny House before turning inland at Cramond to take on the capital and all of its delights.

Terrain

From South Queensferry to the city you're largely using estate tracks, quiet pavements, paths and the Union Canal towpath. Cyclists should note that there is a large, but negotiable, flight of steps, where the Water of Leith walkway joins the Union Canal. A wooden ramp at the side of the steps helps with pushing bikes up and down. Alternatively, cyclists may wish to follow the signed short cycle braid to avoid the ramp. From the canal basin there are some Edinburgh streets to negotiate before you reach the sanctuary of the meadows. Public toilets can be found at Hawes Pier, South Queensferry High Street and Cramond village.

Getting There

By rail: South Queensferry is served by Dalmeny train station, with regular services to and from Edinburgh Waverley.

By bus: the X38 bus service links Linlithgow and Edinburgh. For travel between Bo'ness, Blackness and Edinburgh, see the Bo'ness Community Bus.

By car: in South Queensferry parking is available along the front towards the Forth (Rail) Bridge. Parking in Edinburgh is plentiful but can be expensive.

Points of interest

Water of Leith Visitor Centre and Cafe

Find out more about the Water of Leith & enjoy refreshments at the volunteer-run cafe, open 7 days, 10am-4pm.

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Lauriston Castle

A beautiful 16th-century castle. You can view its furnished interior exactly as it was when it was left to the City of Edinburgh by its last private owner in 1926.

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Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland's capital city it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away.

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Eagle Rock, Cramond

A weather-worn carving of an eagle, thought to date to the Roman occupation of Cramond.

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Dalmeny House

Completed in 1817 and home to the 7th Earl and Countess of Rosebery, guided tours of the interior and art collections are available in June & July, Sun-Wed.

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Cramond Island

If you’re feeling adventurous, a short walk along the causeway from Cramond village will take you to this tidal island. Used as a defensive site for centuries, there are WWII military barracks and evidence of a Roman fort on the island. Be aware of tide t

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Craiglockhart Hill Local Nature Reserve

Nature trail, sculptures and views from Easter Craiglockhart Hill out over the Forth, the Trossachs, the Pentlands and East Lothian.

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Corstorphine Hill

Corstorphine Hill is only 531 feet high, but rising above the western suburbs of Edinburgh, it presents some great views of the city and the Firth of Forth.

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