The Water of Leith

Flowing all the way from the Pentland Hills in the South to the open sea at Leith, the water of Leith is like a secret vein of life going through the most beautiful parts of the City, and showing you a view of Edinburgh that not many get to see. There is a path running alongside it all the way. Although it’s all sign-posted it may be best to have a map in your pocket. It is however a long day’s walking to or from Balerno or Colinton, but well worth the effort as you walk through some beautiful wooded sections, along the flat bed of an old railway line, and the specially beautiful Roseburn to Stockbridge section. One of the best ways to see it is by bike, if you can hire one.Eventually you will arrive at the Shore, where the culinary possibilities are endless, and we have a couple of excellent suggestions:

The Clock

When you arrive to the Shore look to the right of the big white boat and you will see a clock on the wall. The café on the corner below the clock is the place to go for delicatessen snacks, hand-prepared right there in front of you. There is home-made soup, cold drinks, hot drinks, and home-made cakes.

The King’s Wark

If you would rather sit down for a full meal, The King’s Wark, on the opposite corner, serves great bar meals. It is a seriously old place, built back in the 15th Century as an arsenal of the Crown and residence for personnages of importance with business by the port. In the 16th Century it was used as a hospital for plague victims, and it is unclear exactly when it started serving beer. The food is great - keep an eye on the specials board, and if in doubt, go for the locally reared mussels in a creamy white wine sauce or the delicious fishcakes. The fish and chips is also particularly good here. There is real ale as well as beers and ciders on tap, great house wines and a low-lit, cosy atmosphere with a real fire and low ceilings.

After this you can catch a number 22 bus back into town, carry on to Ocean terminal for a movie, or carry on the quest and check out some of the other pubs that characterise this special corner of town.