Water of Leith Visitor Centre and Cafe - Edinburgh

Diane O.

Very nice visitor centre and cafe, convenient if walking the middle sections of the Water of Leith Walkway. Very friendly staff and very reasonable prices for food and drink (great cup of tea at both the start and the finish of the walk). A good selection of free leaflets are available, plus books and maps for sale, toilets, and interesting gallery and exhibition areas.

Great cup of tea, but there was only a small selection of food available, and it would be good to have more options if planning a lunch at the centre.

The Trust do a fabulous job of looking after the walkway and the lovely wooded dells, although signage and information on closures of paths could be better, particularly for people from outside the area who may not be familiar with the path network. We bought a map for £1 and walked up to Colinton tunnel, which was straightforward, apart from having to double back due to maintenance works at one point, and came back via the canal towpath, which was okay, but this route has a much narrower path, which is also used by cyclists, and is especially tricky on the aqueduct just before returning to the visitor centre.

None of this spoiled our enjoyment though and we look forward to returning to the visitor centre to walk another section of the walkway.

Artwork is just one of many in the Colinton Tunnel, worth looking at.

Natalie J.

Lovely place to come and visit, the indoor water play area was excellent for the kids! And we loved a little walk along to see trains coming in to Edinburgh.

Emily A.

A nice place for lunch indoors on a hot day, the ceiling fans kept us cool and the water wheel made us feel like we were by the water. Only a small selection of food for lunch, we had quiche and a cake. The interactive displays were fun for the kids and us adults too.

the 4. P. -. C. W.

I met Kat from the conservation trust here for a guided walk of the dells! It was a charming autumnal walk with lots of info about decomposition!

There is a lot of space at the visitor’s center. It’s perfect for groups. Parking is limited.

It’s be great for cyclist, walkers and dogs if Scottish water added one of their free fountains.

Irm F.

Lovely place. Great place. It's just perfect for immersing yourself in a tranquil atmosphere. Delicious drinks and various treats are combined with friendly people working here. In the café, you can buy themed goods, one way or another connected with the magical river Water of Leith. Just imagine. You buy a hot drink, go into the courtyard and settle down at a table overlooking the bridge and The Path. You can listen to the river and feel part of a huge world. Isn't it worth it?

Mike H.

Nice cafe with a good choice at reasonable prices (£4.40 for a flat white and a brownie). There's an informative display about the history of the Water of Leith; a little gift shop with items relevant to the river; and an interactive area aimed at children but fun for everyone.

Currently, there's also an extensive display of pictures, taken by a local photographer, of animals, birds, etc found along the river. Unfortunately it's a bit hidden away so you might only find it by accident

Chris W.

The Visitor Centre is about halfway from Balerno to Leith at Slateford. Entry is free and there is a small cafe, toulets and displays of the wildlife and history of the river. Easily reached from city centre by 4 or 44 bus or from Balerno 44 bus all the way back to town. Best to do it downhill from Currie Kirk(44 bus). Its a lovely downhill trek beside the river, through Colinton and Craiglockart Dells, Saughton Park Roseburn, Dean Village and Stockbridge(8.5 miles) where you will find lots of places to eat or drink. E. G.St Bernards Bar (pictured) and Stockbridge Tap. Or carry on to Leith.

Ellis J.

First time in and I’ll definitely be back. Loveliest women served me a coffee and I had a nice time reading the signs they had up about the river. Lots of books and maps available to buy, great way to break up the walk