The Water of Leith: Slateford to Stockbridge
The green river corridor through the city — an aqueduct, the Modern Art galleries, and Dean Village. This is a Claude-drafted route awaiting the editor's walk.

1. Slateford Aqueduct
Start where the Union Canal crosses the river on Telford's great stone aqueduct of 1822. Drop down to the riverside path beneath it. Standing under the arches, with the canal running overhead, is the best opening this walk could ask for.

2. The Water of Leith walkway
The path follows the river through a green slot in the city — trees, weirs, the odd heron, and barely a road in earshot. Just follow the water downstream and let the city close out behind you. You'll forget you're in Edinburgh at all.

3. Modern Art galleries (below Belford)
Climb the steps up to the two Modern Art buildings, set in their own grounds above the river. Free to enter, with the Landform earthwork out front and a good café. Go in, or just cross the grounds and rejoin the river below Belford Bridge.

4. Dean Village
The old milling hamlet in its steep gorge — pantiled roofs, the river loud over the weir, the converted granaries. It's the photograph everyone takes and it earns it. Cross the bridge by Well Court and look back up the gorge.

5. St Bernard's Well
The little circular temple over a mineral spring, with a statue of Hygieia inside, built in 1789 when Edinburgh believed the water could cure you. You don't have to drink it. Just stand below the dome where the path runs closest to the river.

6. Stockbridge
The river leads you into Stockbridge, the city's most likeable village — bookshops, delis, a Sunday market, and pubs that face the water. Come up off the walkway here and the walk is over. Find a table; you've earned it.

The Water of Leith: Slateford to Stockbridge