River Almond Walkway (5.5 miles)
The river flows into the Firth of Forth at Cramond. Should you wish to walk out to Cramond Island on the causeway, please check the tide times that are prominently posted. Lifeboat crews rescue over 100 people each year who have become trapped. Pick up the walkway from the river mouth. Barnbougle Castle is clearly visible across the bay. An information board gives an indication of the walking route and there is a little café nearby. Proceed upstream and we soon pass through the remains of a mill for which a rather impressive weir was constructed.
The path ascends then quickly descends a flight of steps as we simply follow the watercourse. Cross the river on a stone arched bridge which most probably carried the original road into Edinburgh. We then duck under the modern construction that lifts the A90 across the valley. Continue along the north bank for half a mile or so before crossing again on another stone bridge, this one quite high. Double back along the other side for a short distance before the path veers away from the water and meets a road. Go straight over and pass through the gate into Cammo Estate.
The grounds are now in the care of Edinburgh Council and are maintained as a wilderness park. Wind your way through the meadow which buzzes with life during the warmer months. When you reach the estate road, head uphill for a look at the remains of Cammo House. Only the shell of the ground floor still stands, following an arson attack by vandals many years ago. There is an ornamental canal near the house and other paths lead to the walled garden and Cammo Tower.
Leave the park by the estate road which runs into a residential street. Turn right at the A90 (Queensferry Road) and walk towards Barnton Junction. Stagecoach buses stop just beyond the complex array of traffic lights. To get back to Cramond, go down Whitehouse Road (past a small Sainsbury's) and follow this course for a mile before branching down Cramond Glebe Road. This brings you back to the shore.
