The best walks and hikes around Leith Links

Yes, Leith Links and the surrounding walkways are generally very dog-friendly. The park itself offers wide open green spaces perfect for dogs. For a specific trail, the Malt & Hops loop from Leith is an easy walk that explores the local area. As always, please keep your dog under control, especially near roads and other park users.

Leith Links is an excellent starting point for coastal walks along the Firth of Forth. A great option is the Quiet Side of Portobello Beach loop from Leith. This easy route takes you along the shoreline towards the popular seaside town of Portobello, offering lovely sea views with minimal elevation gain.

Absolutely. The area is well-suited for families, with many flat and accessible paths. Leith Links park itself is perfect for a short stroll. For a slightly longer but still easy adventure, consider a walk through Lochend Park, which features a lake and is great for a relaxed family outing.

Yes, you can reach the Pentland Hills Regional Park from the Leith area via public transport. You will typically need to take a Lothian Bus service into Edinburgh's city centre and then connect to a bus route that serves the Pentland Hills, such as those heading towards Flotterstone or Balerno. The journey involves at least one change and can take over an hour, so it's best to plan your route in advance.

The Water of Leith Walkway is a highly-regarded path that offers a peaceful escape from the city. It follows the river from Leith all the way to the Pentland Hills. The section starting in Leith is urban but quickly becomes a tranquil, tree-lined route, popular with walkers and cyclists for its scenic and varied landscapes.

Yes, there are several circular routes available. These loops are convenient as they bring you back to your starting point without needing to retrace your steps. Many routes, such as those heading to Portobello Beach or through local parks like Lochend, are designed as loops.

Leith Links offers a different experience to Holyrood Park. Leith Links is a flatter, more traditional urban park, ideal for leisurely strolls, running, and connecting to coastal paths. Holyrood Park, home to Arthur's Seat, is much more rugged and hilly, providing challenging climbs and dramatic city-wide views. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a gentle park walk or a strenuous hill climb.

The walking routes around Leith Links are very well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the variety, from the flat, accessible parkland to the scenic coastal paths and connections to other iconic Edinburgh landmarks.

Yes, it is a popular longer walk. A route like the View of Edinburgh – Arthur's Seat loop from The Shore connects Leith with Holyrood Park. This is a moderately difficult hike of over 10 km that involves a significant climb up the 251-meter hill, but rewards you with fantastic panoramic views of Edinburgh.

Yes, besides Leith Links, the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve is a local favourite. It offers a more rustic experience with riverside trails and hillside paths that provide excellent views over the city. It's a great option if you're looking for a walk that feels more removed from the urban environment.

The terrain is quite varied. Within Leith Links itself, you'll find flat, grassy areas and paved paths. Routes extending from the park include flat coastal promenades, urban pavements, and the gentle, unpaved trails along the Water of Leith. Hikes that venture towards Arthur's Seat will involve steep, rocky, and uneven paths.

There is on-street parking available on the streets surrounding Leith Links, but it can be busy, especially during evenings and weekends. Some areas may have parking restrictions or permit-holder requirements, so it is important to check the local signage carefully before leaving your car.