Edinburgh on Foot: The Best Walking Routes from the City Centre

Discover Edinburgh at Your Own Pace

Edinburgh is a city built for walking. With its compact size, rich history, and dramatic scenery, there’s no better way to explore it than on foot. From grand Georgian avenues to hidden medieval closes, every turn reveals a story.

Guests staying at Mansley’s serviced apartments – The Knight Residence in Edinburgh’s Old Town or Braid Apartments on Thistle Street in the New Town are ideally positioned to experience some of the city’s most scenic and culturally significant walking routes without needing to rely on transport.

1. Calton Hill and Regent Walk

Starting Point: Braid Apartments

Just a short walk from Mansley’s Braid Apartments, Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks. Rising above the east end of Princes Street, this hill offers outstanding views of the city skyline, Arthur’s Seat, and the Firth of Forth.

Route Details:

• Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles round-trip
  
• Surface: Steep but paved paths
  
• Highlights: Dugald Stewart Monument, National Monument of Scotland, panoramic cityscape
  

From Braid Apartment, head towards Waterloo Place and climb the main path up Calton Hill. The summit is home to several notable monuments and is a favourite spot for photographers and locals alike. Extend your walk along Regent Walk, a peaceful stretch leading eastward with elegant terraces and city views.

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2. Water of Leith Walkway

Starting Point: Near Broughton Street (Canonmills Entrance)

The Water of Leith Walkway is a hidden gem that cuts through the city like a green ribbon, offering riverside tranquillity just moments from Broughton Street. Accessible via Canonmills, this flat, well-maintained path is ideal for a relaxed morning or afternoon walk.

Route Details:

• Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles (Canonmills to Dean Village)
  
• Surface: Flat, gravel and paved sections
  
• Highlights: St Bernard’s Well, Dean Bridge, Stockbridge Market, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
  

You’ll pass through the village-like charm of Stockbridge, where you can pause for coffee or browse the Sunday market, before continuing to the historic Dean Village, known for its preserved mill buildings and picturesque riverside scenery.

3. Royal Mile to Holyrood Park

Starting Point: The Knight Residence

From The Knight Residence, the Royal Mile is just a 5-minutes’ walk away. This route offers a complete immersion in Edinburgh’s history, architecture, and natural landscape all in one journey.

Route Details:

• Distance: Approx. 3 miles one-way (longer with summit hike)
  
• Surface: Cobbled streets, pavements, gravel paths
  
• Highlights: Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat or Queen’s Drive
  

Begin in the Grassmarket, walk up to the Castle Esplanade, then follow the Royal Mile downhill through the Old Town to Holyrood Palace. From there, enter Holyrood Park, where you can either ascend Arthur’s Seat or follow the lower Queen’s Drive loop for less demanding but equally scenic views.

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4. Princes Street Gardens and Dean Village Loop

Accessible from both Mansley Edinburgh locations

This loop offers a perfect balance of landscaped parkland and heritage architecture, ideal for those who want a gentler route through some of the city’s most photogenic locations.

Route Details:

• Distance: Approx. 2–2.5 miles loop
  
• Surface: Paved and cobbled paths
  
• Highlights: Ross Fountain, the Scott Monument, Dean Bridge, Well Court
  

Begin in Princes Street Gardens, nestled below Edinburgh Castle, and follow signs towards the Dean Bridge and Bell’s Brae to enter Dean12 Village. It’s a quiet, residential area filled with 19th-century stone buildings and footbridges over the Water of Leith.

You can return via the same path or follow signs to the nearby Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art for a culture stop before looping back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edinburgh a walkable city?
Yes. Edinburgh is compact, well-connected by footpaths, and rich with accessible routes, making it one of the most walkable cities in the UK.

Are these walks suitable for all fitness levels?
Most routes are flexible and can be adjusted. Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat have steeper sections, while the Water of Leith and Dean Village offer flatter terrain suitable for all.

Do I need special walking gear?
A pair of comfortable shoes with good grip is recommended. A waterproof jacket is advisable in cooler months due to changeable weather.

Can I access these walks directly from Mansley properties?
Yes. All featured walks begin within a short walk of Mansley’s serviced apartments at The Knight Residence in Edinburgh’s Old Town and Braid Apartments on Thistle Street in the New Town.

See More of Edinburgh, One Step at a Time

There’s no better way to connect with Edinburgh’s layered history, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks than on foot. Whether you’re an early riser chasing sunrise views from Calton Hill or a relaxed stroller weaving through Dean Village, the city invites you to explore it slowly.

Staying with Mansley places you at the heart of it all. Our centrally located serviced apartments make it easy to step outside and start walking — no schedules, no stress, just discovery.

Book your stay in Edinburgh today and experience the city the way it was meant to be seen on foot.