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This has been a golden summer for me because I have taken every opportunity to get out walking or cycling in the sunshine. I have really enjoyed spending time along the various walkways, cycle paths and the beach near my home. When I looked at a map of Edinburgh I realised I could draw a line connecting all the places I have spent time, and this line covered a large chunk of the Forth shore, with a small loop around Cramond and the Cammo Estate. I have cycled this route several times with my husband, but I have also walked most of it, sometimes by myself and sometimes my son and daughter came with me.
I have divided the route into four sections and I have tried to show photographs that give an impression of the beauty and tranquility of these areas where I spend much of my time.
1. Granton Harbour to CramondIn recent years the Harbour area has undergone huge redevelopment, and the resulting walkways and cycle paths are a real joy. There are miles of them around the harbour and the area is relatively traffic-free. A beautiful walkway has been constructed along a promontory at Platinum Point that takes you from the old lighthouse at Granton into the middle of the River Forth.
I saw seals in the water when i was walking here but did not manage to get a photo of them.
Platinum Point at sunset, looking down the river to the Forth Bridges
The Royal Yacht Britannia is docked at Granton.
I have never been on board for some reason
maybe one day when Ive got nothing better to do
Once you leave Platinum Point there is a nice walk along the shore past the old fishing village of Newhaven till you reach Granton Square. From there the road to Silverknowes beach goes through an industrial estate for about a mile, not a very nice walk but it is well worth it once you reach Silverknowes Promenade. This is the start of a beautiful mile long promenade, very popular with joggers, cyclists, runners and roller bladers. On Sundays it is chock full of families enjoying a day out. If crowds are not your thing then best get here early in the morning when it is quiet. From the roundabout on Marine Drive you can then link up to the walk on this website - Cramond Island and River Almond Circular. I have not walked across to Cramond Island this year in spite of living close by. I must try to get out at least once before the winter sets in.
The beach at Cramond when the tide is out
Cramond Island, seen from Silverknowes Promenade
Lots of families come here to feed the ducks and swans
The River Almond
Cramond Falls
Shetland pony at Cramond Brig
The Brambles are beginning to fruit
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2. Cammo EstateThis peaceful and tranquil spot is a haven for wildlife with beautiful fauna and flora. It is the remains of an estate designed and planted around 1710 and contains five of the oldest trees in Edinburgh, plus an ancient stone which was once part of a stone circle. Cammo House is now in ruins but it was once Edinburgh's grandest address and the estate was a playground for the aristocracy. Strangely for such a peaceful place, the estate has a troubled history, and there have long been rumours and stories of dark goings-on here. Robert Louis Stevenson described Cammo House as the evil House of Shaws in his novel "Kidnapped", and the main character in the story, David Balfour, was the heir to the Cammo Estate.
Map of Cammo
An Oak tree dating from 1810
No this photo is not upside down, the tree really is growing horizontal!
Wee bird in the tree, dont know what it was
This is all that remains of the once grand Cammo House.
The front door faces directly onto the Pentland Hills
Stone carvings on the wall adjacent to the house
The canal may have been designed by Robert Adam. In spring it is full of tadpoles and frog spawn.
Some of the exotic trees growing on the estate
A weeping willow dating from 1800
The walled garden was built to provide fruit and vegetables for the owners of the house
These holes were built to allow bees to enter the garden and pollinate the flowers
Apple Tree
I think these are cranberries
This was a water tower which originally had a windmill attached. When it turned it pumped water into Cammo House.
Some people say the hill behind it is the remains of an iron-age fort, but others say it is a fairy-hill, built by the farmer to appease the fairies and keep them off his land
The building seen behind the Tower looks very grand but this was the Stables block.
3. Dalmeny Estate and The Shore WalkThis is a reverse of the walk described on this website. Hubby and I often cycle this route in summer, from Cramond Brig to South Queensferry and back. In winter we take the bus to the Ferry and walk all the way back. It is a beautiful walk past miles of golden beach. The Ferry end is very busy with walkers but they dont seem to do the whole route as we never see any by the time we get to Cramond Brig. Its a shame because the whole route is well worth completing.
The start of the road which takes you onto the Estate
The Pentland Hills seen from the path to the shore
There are several burns and waterfalls along the way
The beautiful beach leading to Cramond Island.
It is possible to walk all the way across to the island but you will need to check the tide times carefully
Dalmeny House
The walk passes directly in front of the house with its views over Fife
The oil refinery, where North Sea Oil is piped ashore then taken to Grangemouth for processing
The Forth Bridge
4. The Forth Road BridgeThis has long been a favourite walk or cycle of ours. It is best done on a summers day as the winds on the bridge can be really strong. Once you get to the middle section you will be surprised how strong the vibrations are, the pavement beneath your feet shakes and wobbles about as the cars and lorries pass. It takes about 40minutes to cross the bridge on foot, about 10minutes by bike. Everyone should walk over the Forth Road Bridge at least once in their life
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You can access the road to the bridge from Dalmeny Estate
Field of wheat growing on the Estate
The Forth Road Bridge
Hubby just couldnt wait to get cycling on the bridge, that's him in the yellow Tshirt disappearing into the distance
Yachts sailing on the Forth, seen from the bridge
Port Edgar Marina.
My son goes sailing here.
The Ochil Hills, seen behind Rosyth Dockyard
These juniper berries were growing at the side of the bridge, only a few feet from the traffic
I have enjoyed walking the shores of the River Forth very much and I plan to continue this by paying a visit to nearby Hopetoun House and walking from there to Blackness Castle then linking up with the Blackness to Carriden walk described on this website.
Last edited by morag1 on Fri Jun 15, 2012 6:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.