Overview

There is only a limited number of places where wheelchair users can access the towpath, but it is possible to enjoy significant stretches of it.

Transport & Parking

Can't comment on the parking. Lothian buses 1, 34 and 35 will get you to and from the Canal Basin at Fountainbridge. It is possible to leave the towpath at Harrison Park (buses 34, 35, 44 & 44A will get you back to the city centre from Slateford Road and buses 10 & 27 will get you back to the city centre from Polwarth Terrace. If you leave the towpath at Meggetland, you can catch Lothian 34,35, 44 or 44A on Slateford Road.

Access

Mostly flat tarmac surface, but under some of the bridges (especially Harrison Road & Gray's Loan) the towpath is briefly cobbled, narrow & very bumpy. The Slateford Aqueduct towpath is very narrow, cobbled & bumpy and IMO not suitable for wheelchair use. The towpath can be accessed easily at the Canal Basin, at the Leamington Lift Bridge, at Harrison Park (East & West), at Ashley Terrace and at Meggetland. Beyond Meggetland there is no step free access before the Slateford Aqueduct.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre on Slateford Road, roughly half a mile from the towpath at Meggetland.

Staff

Not applicable

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The whole stretch from the Fountainbridge Canal Basin to the Water of Leith Visitor Centre is approx 2.5 miles, 2 miles of which are along the towpath. Cyclists can be a hazard - they don't all indicate their presence by ringing a bell, and you need to be aware of this when negotiating the sections of towpath under road bridges. We find towpath under the Harrison Road bridge very tricky, and tend to do a diversion via Harrison Park East and West Bryson Road, rejoining the towpath in Harrison Park West.

Photos