We are the Balerno Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Linda C.
A linear walk of 8.5 miles (can be shortened if required) along part of the John Muir Way, starting at the Royal Commonwealth Pool (toilets available), going via Melville Drive and Bruntsfield Links to the Leamington Lift Bridge and the canal. We will follow the canal to the Water of Leith, where we continue to Saughton Park (toilets and lunch stop) then on to Corstorphine Hill. Up to this point the walk is mainly flat and on good paths, with some pavement walking to link green spaces.
The hill has approximately 120 metres of steep ascent, with rough tracks, potentially muddy and uneven. Poles recommended if you use them. If you do not wish to go up the hill, you can get a bus back to the city centre from Corstorphine Road (12, 26, 31). Otherwise the walk goes over the hill and joins Clermiston Road and then ends on Queensferry Road (return bus to city centre – 43).
Please note that there is a slight detour off the Water of Leith path due to a path closure. This will add a very small extra distance to the walk.
Much of the walk is on pathed paths but the latter part along the Water of Leith and on Corstorphine Hill was very muddy at the time of the recce. Good shoes/boots are recommended for this, together with walking poles if you use them.
Transport – the Royal Commonwealth Pool is served by many buses (2, 14, 30, 33) and the 3, 5, 7, 8, 29, 31, 37 and 47 all stop either on or by Salisbury Road.
If you would like to join us, please contact the Walk Leader to book a place in advance, noting that for some walks places may be limited. Please advise the walk leader of any issue that may affect your ability to complete the walk, if you intend to travel independently to the start of the walk, and/or if you are willing to drive/car share from the meeting point.
Also, if you have one, please remember to bring your ICE (In Case of Emergency) card with you; or a note of your proposed emergency contact name and number will be required.
As conditions underfoot can vary, stout walking shoes/ boots, gaiters and walking poles, if you use them, are recommended.
Please note that, unfortunately, dogs cannot be accommodated on our walks. Guide/Assistance dogs are welcome.
All finishing times are approximate
In foyer of Royal Commonwealth Pool
Per description, Queensferry Road. The walk goes over the hill and joins Clermiston Road and then ends on Queensferry Road (return bus to city centre – 43).
