Meet at Black Sheep Coffee, which is close to Waverley Station and the Bus Station, at 10.30 a.m. There is more than one Black Sheep Coffee - we will meet at the one at 24-25 Princes Street. At 10.50 we will catch a bus to Slateford. It is 3 miles and should take about 30 minute. We will walk along the Water of Leith through Craiglockhart and Colinton Dells. This is a picturesque stretch of the river set in a steep-sided wooded valley. Along the way, we will pass Craiglockhart Grotto and an attractive weir. Young Robert Louis Stevenson was a frequent visitor here. The Swing from the collection A Child’s Garden of Verses is inspired by this area and we will visit the Swing Cafe and church where Arts and Crafts artist Phoebe Anna Traquair, who lived in Colinton for many years, designed her own grave and that of her husband.
We will then head to the Colinton Tunnel, which contains Scotland’s largest historical mural. The mural’s theme is another poem by RLS, From a Railway Carriage. We will walk back to Slateford, partly beside the Union Canal and aqueduct. At Slateford, we can stop at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre and Café before taking a bus back into Edinburgh city centre.
About 4 miles on tarmac, gravel and turf paths As the footpaths can be muddy and slippery, please wear appropriate footwear. Walking stick advised for the steps down the other side of the hill. Bring sandwiches and drinks as cannot guarantee cafe will be open.
All walks are taken at your own risk and are dependent on suitable weather conditions.
