http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Cycling the Water of Leith en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:07:07 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=882#post-333282 Fri, 03 Jul 2020 12:07:48 +0000 neddie 333282@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>A cyclist came down on Wednesday on the wooden bridge shown above in the OP. The bridge was extremely slippery due to being wet and wooden.</p> <p>Luckily the cyclist is OK, if a little groggy afterward</p> <p>This is your annual reminder that the wooden bridges across the WoL are extremely dangerous when wet. I strongly recommend people follow the "cyclists dismount and walk bikes" signs (that aren't particularly obvious) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=882#post-115711 Tue, 25 Jun 2013 07:57:20 +0000 kaputnik 115711@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@WOLCT: We agree! MT @EdinSpotlight It's great that Glenogle - Deanhaugh section of #WaterofLeith is open again #Edinburgh <a href="http://t.co/dSJLKca3Kb" rel="nofollow">http://t.co/dSJLKca3Kb</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=882#post-7850 Mon, 31 May 2010 14:08:07 +0000 chdot 7850@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I've done that stretch a few times by bike"</p> <p>It's one place I've never been.</p> <p>I know that there have been some 'guerrilla path making' at times. Presume primary 'issue' is airport worried about 'security'.</p> <p>Though as ever with these sort of things if people are determined, a small burn isn't going to make much difference. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=882#post-7849 Mon, 31 May 2010 14:02:07 +0000 cb 7849@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>" completion of a walkway/cycle route along the River Almond between Craigiehall/Cammo and the Queensferry/ Kirkliston walkway/cycle route"</p> <p>That would be a useful wee link. An easy start would be to link Cammo Road to the plane spotter's bridge (Boathouse Bridge, apparantly - just checked). Less than one mile of path required for that.</p> <p>I've done that stretch a few times by bike but not for years.<br /> The tricky bit was the burn flowing out from under the airport. If the burn was low you could carry your bike down one steep bank, cross the burn and carry up the opposite bank.<br /> If the burn was full you had to cross the "bridge". The actual bridge is on the airport side of the wire mesh fence, with only a couple of inches of bridge protruding onto the Almond side.<br /> Carrying the bike in one hand left only one hand to grip the mesh fence. Making progress involved letting go and quickly re-grabbing the fence further along.<br /> I doubt I'd have the nerve to do that these days. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=882#post-7846 Mon, 31 May 2010 12:39:38 +0000 chdot 7846@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/4629730303"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/4629730303_3dce89079f.jpg"></a></center></p> <p>The Water of Leith Management Plan is currently being prepared - public comments wanted by June 18th (<a href="http://www.waterofleith.org.uk/management">lots of info here</a>).</p> <p>As anyone who has cycled the whole route knows there are a few places with potential for conflict between cyclists and pedestrians - notable around Dean Village.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.waterofleith.org.uk/storage/Water%20of%20Leith%20Management%20Plan%20Draft%20for%20Public%20Comment.pdf">Draft Plan</a> states that "The walkway extends from Balerno to the Leith Docks. The route is suitable for walking and cycling, and is partially accessible by wheelchairs and by horseback."</p> <p>Presumably there is no intention to restrict cycling, the report clearly identifies issues to be managed -</p> <p>"Management issues which were raised by these teams include the interaction between different users who travel at varying speed on the walkways (cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders), drainage and maintenance of gullies, access points to the walkway, and wild camping in Craiglockhart and Colinton Dell."</p> <p>Banning things requires enforcement. As 'we' know from threads on this forum there are occasionally similar problems on the Union Canal caused by inconsiderate cyclists (and dog owners...), so anything than reduces conflict potentials and encourages sensible behaviour is welcome.</p> <p>The draft document isn't merely about the WoL. It outlines the aspirations of the Access Strategy - "An integrated and inclusive network of routes for walking, cycling and horse riding which contributes to Edinburgh’s status as a world class city by ensuring that everyone who lives in, works in and visits the city can move around it easily and in a sustainable way" </p> <p>In addition it highlights Edinburgh's Local Plan - "It also includes a policy (E26) to protect and improve rights of way and walkways, and states that the banks of the Water of Leith and Bavelaw Burn should be safeguarded for continuing recreational use. Policy E27* is specific to the Water of Leith and promotes continuous access along the banks of the river, protection of its landscape and rural quality, and management of the wildlife corridor.</p> <p>(*<em>Policy E27 - River Almond, Water of Leith and their Tributaries: The following measures for the protection and enhancement of the recreational potential of the River Almond, Water of Leith and their tributaries will be encouraged and supported: 1. the completion of continuous walkway/cycle routes along their banks, where appropriate, and the establishment of footpath links with adjacent sites; 2. the completion of a walkway/cycle route along the River Almond between Craigiehall/Cammo and the Queensferry/ Kirkliston walkway/cycle route; 3. protection of their exceptional landscape qualities and rural character, and improvement of degraded sites adjacent to the River Almond between the airport and Newbridge; and 4. the sensitive management of their banks and defined valleys to consolidate and enhance their value as wildlife corridors</em>.)</p> <p>All good stuff - just needs some implementation...</p> <p>As WoL users, it will be worth commenting on the the Plan - if only to say that you value the Wol Walkway and look forward to it be improved! Comments to <a href="mailto:sue@suebellecology.co.uk">sue@suebellecology.co.uk</a> by 18th June 2010. </p>