Granton Loop (6.8 miles)
This walk makes use of the excellent network of cycle and walking paths formed from old railway lines. The cleverly titled Inner Tube Map can be viewed here. From Princes Street, head up South St Andrew's Street and maintain a straight course. Dog-leg around the gradens in Drummond Place and proceed down Scotland Street before heading into King George V Park.
Enter the old railway tunnel, the first of two on this walk. We soon pass by a Tesco supermarket, a handy place to stop for a snack or visit the loo. The route crosses the Water of Leith on a viaduct at which point the path splits. Take the left-hand branch. There is an option here for a quarter-mile detour to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Leave the path and head along Eildon Street, entering the gardens at the East Gate. Admission is free but a charge is payable for entry to the hothouses. Once back at the cycle track, push on to Fiveways Junction. Plough straight ahead and walk through Trinity Tunnel (pictured above). The path continues to Granton where we cross the road and turn left along the waterfront. The railway previously served the harbour.
Sadly, this area has suffered from years of decline and attempts at regeneration have a half-hearted feel about them. Explore the pier if you wish. You can see the Forth Bridges from its tip. When we reach the new apartment blocks at the harbour, we need to head back inland along Waterfront Avenue. The path network is well-signed all the way back to the city centre. Follow the tarmac footpath which merges on to West Granton Access Road. This follows the line of another old railway and is now a shared-use section for traffic, cyclists and walkers. Perhaps not the most exciting stage of our expedition.
Happily, we are soon back on a car-free route, working our way back to the city centre. Various paths join along the way but keep following the signs for Haymarket Station. Upon arrival at Balbirnie Place there are two options. Either take the short exit on to the main road or continue on the marked cycle route which follows the tram tracks and emerges close to the railway station.
