Edinburgh Railway Path (6 miles)
Edinburgh has a fantastic network of walking and cycling paths running through the city. Much of the infrastructure is based upon old railway lines, although there are also watercourse trails. The cunningly titled Inner Tube Map is shown below. A PDF version can be viewed here.
An advantage of this walk is it starts and finishes close to the city's two main railway stations. From Waverley, head up St Andrew's Street and keep a straight course. The National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street is encountered en route. Eventually we reach King George V Park. A glance at the information board reveals that St Bernard's FC used to play here, one of Scotland's great lost football clubs. Tucked away in the corner of the children's play area is a fascinating glimpse into the industrial past. The portal of the Scotland Street tunnel is intact although now gated shut. Rope-hauled trains used to be pulled up the steep gradient to Waverley but the system fell out of use in 1868.
The path proper begins by almost immediately entering the 200-yard Rodney Street tunnel. It is well lit and completely dry. Other pieces of old railway engineering come and go. An optional detour is a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens which are clearly signposted. Otherwise continue to Fiveways Junction and turn left on to the Ferry Road path. Follow this route, passing a present-day football ground belonging to Spartans FC. Curve round to the left and join Telford Path which then becomes Roseburn Path. We finish up at Balbirnie Place where we rejoin the main road back to Haymarket Station.
PUB STOPS - Edinburgh is Scotland's ale capital and cask beer is found in dozens of pubs. The Guildford Arms has a huge selection and a stunning interior. It is basically straight across from the Waverley Steps, tucked in behind the retail buildings. Special mention goes to the tiny Snax Cafe around the corner from the Guildford. I love the fact that places like this still exist in an age when city centres are dominated by chain fast-food outlets. At the other end of the walk, there's Haymarket across the road from the station of the same name and Thomson's Bar a bit further up Morrison Street - an old-school pub still serving ale using air pressure dispense.
