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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Gary Armstrong

Best walk in Edinburgh according to TripAdvisor as reviews hail 'one of world's great urban walks'

It's getting to that time of year where we can actually leave the house without fear of freezing or a good soaking in our typically brilliant Scottish weather.

The nights are getting lighter, temperatures getting a little warmer and so when it comes to the weekend we're often looking for things to do to help us unwind after a busy work week.

While the easy option might be to hit up the city's brilliant bars and restaurants and catch up with some friends over a couple of drinks or a fancy meal, sometimes the weekend, especially a Sunday, can present a good opportunity to wipe away the cobwebs.

The simplest way would likely be by stretching your legs and soaking up the sunshine with a good walk - and there's no need to leave the city to get some exercise while taking in some stunning scenery.

READ MORE: Edinburgh restaurants and bars you must visit according to Leith review in Conde Nast

Although TripAdvisor is best known for its visitor reviews on restaurants, hotels and even the city's best sights, many people use it as a resource to unearth the capital's best walks.

And in at number one is a stroll some people consider 'one of the world's great urban walks', along the Water of Leith Walkway.

Out of a total of 493 'things to do' listed on TripAdvisor, this particular activity finds itself as the 34th best in the capital, with an average review of 4.5 out of 5 from 675 different votes, making it Edinburgh's top 'scenic walking area'.

The Water of Leith Walkway is in total 12 miles long, although you don't have to complete the full trek to make the most of it.

Of course one of the most impressive focal points of the walk is the stunning Dean Village, while the Docks at Leith is considered a highlight, where the walk comes to an end.

And, in the heart of the capital, it has been hailed by locals and visitors alike for providing 'beautiful scenery in a city centre'.

One person who praised the trail said: "A fabulous place to be. Such an interesting walk and we met interesting helpful people on our way. Beautiful architecture. The place to be. Dean village especially"

Another to take on the walk commented: "A wonderful stroll, with our favourite part being between Stockbridge and St Bernard's well.

"Wear comfortable shoes as it is a pretty long walk, but really pleasant and not very demanding."

A further reviewer said they had the 'perfect day' by the water, talking a walk through a 'secret world'. It read: "We joined this walk for the short section between Magdala Crescent to Stockbridge. A lovely walk through Dean Village along the river.

"We finished at the Kilted Donut coffee shop and then a visit to the Golden Hare bookshop. Relaxing, interesting and like walking through a secret world."

Yet despite the area being well known to most in Edinburgh, some have yet to fully discover it. One review reads: "What a wonderful walk we had had - it was such a pleasant surprise on a hot summer’s day.

"Stopped for lunch by the river in Stockbridge and because the walk was so calm, restful and varied we continued on to Leith where we had a drink by the quay side. Generally well signposted and easy to follow and shady on a sunny day.

Otters playing by Water of Leith (Stuart Maxwell)

"Don’t miss Gormley’s standing man up stream from the bridge at Stockbridge."

And one person was full of praise after a relaxing day out, hailing the Water of Leith trail as one of of the 'world's great urban walks', comparing to the famous New York City High Line.

They said: "One of the world's great urban walks. You can walk for miles in a capital city and feel like you are in the country.

"Think The High Line (NYC) but pure natural."

The Water of Leith is certainly a brilliant way to spend a relaxing day out. To find out more about it, you can visit the official website here.

Which Edinburgh walk would you recommend to people? Let us know in the comments!

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