Head to the west end of Princes Street and pick up Queensferry Street. As you approach the Dean Bridge, bear left down the narrow Bell's Brae. This leads down to the leafy Dean Village, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Central Edinburgh. Double back towards the high-arched bridge by following Miller Row. You are now on the Water of Leith Walkway. The path takes us past the impressive monument at St Bernard's Well. Pass below the next bridge then climb up to streel level at Jubilee Gardens. You are now in the vibrant suburb of Stockbridge which features many independent shops and eateries.
We now need to pick up the path on the other side of the river but it's worth nipping briefly uphill and along St Stephen Street to see the stone gateway to the old Stockbridge market. Take the first left to pass through the structure and follow the path back to the Water of Leith. Navigate your way to the other side and continue along the walkway to the next bridge. Jack-knife on to Arboretum Avenue which skirts the edge of the Grange Cricket Ground - home of the Scottish national side. Sweep round the bend and join the signed Rocheid Path to parallel the river. On the other side are the Stockbridge "Colonies" - rows of houses built in the 1860s to accommodate skilled tradesmen. Cross at the second bridge and follow the walkway up to Brandon Terrace. Take a left, then right to head up Canonmills past the petrol station. Turn left at the crossroads towards Tesco then descend to the railway path that runs through the well-lit 200-yard Rodney Street tunnel. This brings you to King George Park. The barred tunnel portal at the basketball court is an ancient subterranean route to Waverley Station, formerly worked as a rope-hauled incline. Climb the steps to Cornwallis Place and wander over to the main road, turning right along Bellevue and Broughton Street to arrive at York Place tram station. Hop aboard for Princes Street or continue on foot back into the city centre.
