Edinburgh is one of the most congested cities in the UK. Fortunately, it also contains numerous splendid paths that offer something of a bucolic escape - along waterways and ex-railways - from gridlock and over-tourism. The Water of Leith Walkway, the Burdiehouse Burn Path, among others, offer places where you can traverse, enveloped by nature. ’

These ‘green corridors’ are a wonderful asset to the city, benefitting physical and mental health. The ex-railway path network on the north side of the city offers this in abundance. Leith is lucky to be served by so many of these paths. This is a manifestation of the dense network of rail lines that used to surge into the area and what a busy port and centre of industry it was. The paths give us a way to appreciate the past, in the present. What about the future?

A new link

An addition to Edinburgh’s paths offers something different. The newly opened link from Roseburn to Fountainbridge allows smooth ‘active travel’ across terrain that has been extremely difficult to navigate, whatever your preferred mode of transport. The new green corridor simplifies things for those on foot, in wheelchairs or on bikes. The impressive new bridges built as part of the project offer new connections, new possibilities.

The new path links Fountainbridge to Russell Road. There, via a short roadside section, it meets the Roseburn Path, part of the ex-railway path network. At the Fountainbridge end, it meets the West Approach Road and the Telfer Subway. From there, it’s just a short distance to the Union Canal. In forging this link, the new path brings the canal, the ex-railway paths and the Water of Leith Walkway within easy reach of each other. This opens up several options for unbroken walking and cycling across the city.

New views

Opened in December 2025, the path’s surroundings remain a little bleak at present, waiting for grass and foliage to spring into life. It’s a reminder that, controversially, a significant number of trees had to be removed at Sauchiebank in order to build the link. New saplings have been planted to replace them. In time, this route will start to resemble Edinburgh’s more scenic paths. But not yet. In truth, this path will never be picturesque.

But it gives you views of the city rarely seen, or allows you to look at familiar things from unusual angles. It’s a puzzle trying to work out what fits where. This area of the city is a real hodgepodge, with buildings and businesses wedged between roads and railway lines. There’s very little accessible green space here, indeed very little accessible space full stop.

Transformation

The buildings in this area are in various states, some badly in need of attention. Hopefully, as this area is redeveloped, they can be repurposed, not erased. They are a reminder of the deeply industrial character of this area, even today. This is not the genteel and elegant city usually portrayed in the tourist guides. The industries that were based around here are a key part of the city’s heritage. The new path is helping to reveal some of these, enriching our vision of the past.

This wedge of the city most closely resembles a modern metropolis. Busy roads, glass towers (at Haymarket) and general sense of dislocation. It mirrors, dare I say it, parts of Glasgow. Here it feels as if different transport eras (canal, train, tram, car, active travel) are battling for primacy as they criss-cross each other (the private car still seems to be winning the ‘war’).

Last remnants

The areas served by the new path connection are increasingly busy, with the new residential section of the city at Fountainbridge expanding every month. This is transforming an area previously dominated by breweries and other industries, including the massive Castle Mills building of the North British Rubber Company. The last remaining remnant of this is now the home of Edinburgh Printmakers, which has enriched the cultural aspect of this area of the city.

The value of this path to the city will become evident in time. It’s already well used. Fortunately, the new path is generally wide, allowing sufficient space for cyclists and pedestrians. This is in contrast with some other paths, especially the canal walkway, which can be crowded and cramped at times.

Unencumbered by traffic and noise

Edinburgh’s path network is thankfully growing and its importance recognised evermore. Something manifested by the Save the Roseburn Path campaign, opposed to that part of the path network becoming a tram route. The paths help keep the city liveable and walkable, despite a growing population and significant increases in traffic and tourism. They are in some sense lungs allowing the city to breathe. They transport walkers and cyclists to interesting places that could otherwise be missed and add to Edinburgh’s rather unique character.

The new Roseburn to Union Canal connection has added something that is both practical and interesting, giving us a new view of the city. It will hopefully add urgency to plans to realise other potential paths, such as the proposed Powderhall to Abbeyhill link.

Where next? ■

Charlie Ellis