A CIRCUIT around the area of Slateford offers an interesting walk using two very different waterways.
From Haymarket Station, go right of the clock tower along Morrison Street. The clock is a memorial to players and members of Hearts FC who died in the two World Wars.
Just before the Edinburgh International Conference Centre turn right on Gardner's Crescent. Rosemount Cottages is a rare example of surviving two-up-two-down housing near the city centre.
Rosemount Buildings date from 1859 and feature patterned brick. The crescent itself, on the left, was built in 1822 in classical style.
At the roundabout go straight ahead then between buildings to reach Edinburgh Quay, the eastern end of the Union Canal. Turn right along the canal and stay on the canal path all the way to Slateford.
Lochrin Basin leads to Leamington Lift Bridge, which raises the roadway for boats to pass. The whole area on the right (Fountainbridge) is being transformed into an "urban village", with offices, piazzas and restaurants as well as housing. The scheme by Miller Laird Architects was voted Best Regeneration Project in Scotland in 2005.
Continue behind the houses of Watson Crescent, with tall trees shading the far bank. Considering you are in a city, it is remarkably quiet. Soon on the right is Harrison Park, a pleasant open space. At the next bridge, on the left is Polwarth Parish Church (Mitchell and Wilson, 1901), which has a superb sculpted pulpit by William Beveridge.
Just before Gray's Loan is the attractive boathouse of the Edinburgh Canal Society, restored with Heritage Lottery Funding. There are usually boats moored here, and often ducks and swans eager to be fed.
Before long, Meggetland is to the right. Until recently playing fields, it is being converted to housing and retail units, but Boroughmuir RFC are still based here in a new clubhouse. Corstorphine Hill can be seen over to the right, Craiglockhart Hill is to the left - this open section of the canal gives excellent views.
After crossing Lanark Road at Slateford, go down the long flight of steps and back along the path a little way to the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, which is well worth a visit. The Centre has interesting displays on the river and explains the work of the Conservation Trust.
Leave the Centre and turn right on the riverside path. This section is relatively new. Pass under the canal and the railway and continue on a pleasant, tree-lined path.
On the right is an extensive area of well-kept allotments. Follow the river as it makes a 90-degree bend to the right. On the far bank is Saughton Prison, which has developed an international reputation for fish breeding, working with Stirling University. Cross the river on the footbridge and continue along the path up to Gorgie Road.
A short diversion along the road to the left, and then first left allows you to see Stenhouse Mansion. Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, it was built in 1623 as a waulk mill. There was once, curiously, a greyhound racetrack in this area.
Return to the Water of Leith and follow the signs, staying close to the river. Cross Ford's Road and follow the main path through Saughton Park. It is noted for its rose garden, which provides a superb display in summer.
Cross Balgreen Road and go through a gate, following the signs, to continue with the riverside path (Pansy Walk). Pass a bowling club and then go under the railway.
Cross the river with Murrayfield Stadium straight ahead. It takes its name from Archibald Murray, landowner here in the 18th century, and was a polo ground before the stadium was built in 1925.
In the inaugural match, Scotland beat England 14-11. The stadium has been extensively modernised in recent years and also stages football and American football matches, pop concerts and many other events.
Pass Murrayfield Ice Rink (home of Edinburgh Capitals) which is on the site of Dalry Mill, the first paper mill on the river, and follow the edge of Roseburn Park.
At its far end follow the signs carefully to Roseburn Terrace. Cross and continue along Roseburn Cliff, going down the steps to rejoin the river. Keep with the riverside path and pass under Coltbridge Viaduct, now a cycleway. Make a sharp right turn with the river.
In a further 300m go up a long flight of steps on the right. At the top of the steps go ahead along Magdala Crescent, with Donaldson's College for the Deaf to the right. This impressive building, with its distinctive green cupolas, was designed in 1841 by WH Playfair.
Turn left on Haymarket Terrace for the final short walk back to the station.
• 25 Walks: Edinburgh and Lothian - by Roger Smith, £9.99 available from all good bookshops or online at
www.mercatpress.com for 25 per cent discount
The full article contains 917 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
