Cammo Estate and River Almond walk, Cramond Brig

Summary

This figure-of-eight route on the fringe of Edinburgh runs through the interesting Cammo Estate - now a country park. It then follows the River Almond out towards the aiport before returning to Cramond Brig.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Surfaced and earth footpaths; section along minor road.

Getting there

Start

Cramond Brig on the A90; bus stop but no public parking.

Public Transport

Stagecoach Fife Bus 40/40A currently passes Cramond Brig between Edinburgh and South Queensferry.

Start Grid Ref

NT178755

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 104m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

The walk is described from Cramond Bridge on the A90 just west of Edinburgh (at what is currently a steakhouse). This point is served by bus; those arriving by car would be better starting from one of the car parks mentioned at the north and south end of the estate. To begin the walk, follow the minor road that slopes down behind the steakhouse and its car park at Cramond Bridge. This leads to the original bridge, known as Cramond Brig. Cross this, then on the far side turn right onto a footpath behind the white cottage, signed 'River Almond walkway'.

Stage 2

When the path forks bear right, heading down then up a few steps to follow a path (with good views back to the old bridge) that leads towards the road bridge carrying the busy A90; at the last moment bear right down steps to pass underneath this bridge. The path continues upriver, crossing a footbridge over a small tributary. It continues between two fences before eventually emerging on a minor road. Follow this ahead for 250m to a junction (or take the muddy path in the fields parallel to it), and then turn right at the entrance to the Cammo Estate. Do not pass through the main gates (pictured), instead forking left onto a footpath that runs over a footbridge and through the trees along the very edge of the Estate.

Stage 3

The path eventually leads to the south car park. The elaborate tower in view across the field was once the estate's water tower. Bear right through the parking area to follow a tree-lined path continuing through the estate; ignore a branch off to the right. The path then reaches the impressive ruins of the former stables complex.

Stage 4

Turn right along the front of the ruined stables, passing between two former gate posts and continuing ahead to reach the fairly scant remains of what was once Cammo House. Pass to the left of the ruins, and then bear right to pass behind them. Ignore a path off right, keeping ahead as the path bears left to head into a more open area, with trees on your left. Keep straight ahead at a path junction with wooden perch seats. Eventually the path joins a track; bear right on this to exit the estate (by a car park) and reach a minor road. Go almost straight across this onto a footpath opposite.

Stage 5

The path, which can be muddy, soon comes close to the River Almond; keep left to head upstream. Soon the picturesque Grotto Bridge is reached. Do not cross this now (you will cross later on the walk), instead continuing upstream. The route now continues upstream for 2.5km or so, reaching more open countryside.

Stage 6

Eventually an iron railway bridge is reached; do not pass under this, instead turning left onto a grassy track, passing under the flightpath or aeroplanes landing at Edinburgh airport (which is only a short distance away). When a minor road is reached turn left along it. Follow this for over a kilometre until it reaches the point where you crossed it earlier (emerging from the Cammo Estate to the right and heading onto the footpath to the left). Turn left again to repeat the earlier route until Grotto Bridge; this time cross the bridge and turn right to head on a path leading downstream on the far side.

Stage 7

The route continues pleasantly through the trees high above the river. Eventually a path leads under Cramond Bridge and bears left to rejoin the outward route on the lane near the start. Turn left up the lane to return to the A90 bus stop at Cramond Bridge.

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