Cramond Island and Cramond Brig, Cramond

Summary

Cramond Island - connected to the shoreline of Edinburgh only at low tide - is a fascinating place to visit, but requires careful planning to fit with tide times. There is a free car park in Cramond but it's often busy on weekends, it is also possible to get a bus to Cramond. If using public transport, another bus can be picked up at Cramond Brig to return to the city centre or you can walk back along the outward riverside section.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Surfaced promenade, tidal causeway and rough, earth path; can be muddy on the island.

Getting there

Start

Bus stop at start in Cramond; bus stop at end at Cramond Brig.

Public Transport

Bus to Cramond; bus from Cramond Brig.

Start Grid Ref

NT190765

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.75km / 5.5 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 36m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

The walk starts from Cramond Village; as we've described it as a linear route, arrive by bus and alight at the junction of Whitehouse Road, Cramond Road and Cramond Glebe Road. Begin the walk by heading along the latter road, passing beautiful old kirk whose tower dates back to the 1400s. Further down the road, the main branch heads right into a free (but often busy) car park - continue ahead past the Cramond Inn and down to the waterfront.

Stage 2

The River Almond flows out into the Firth of Firth here, and Cramond Island is visible offshore, the line of triangular concrete posts alongside the causeway were originally built as a barrier to prevent submarines passing through the channel. The causeway can be crossed for up to 2 hours either side of low tide, but the safe crossing times are posted on the board at the start - pay great attention to these as there are regular call-outs to rescue people who have become stranded; the times are also available by texting the word Cramond to 81400 or visiting the tide times. We'd recommended arriving ahead of the tide going out enough, and then using the spare time to take a walk along the seafront promenade to the right before here returning to visit the island. The route leads past the striking sculpture of the Cramond Fish by Ronald Rae.

Stage 3

If you have enough time, there is a cafe around 1.25km along the seafront with superb views looking across Drum Sands beach to the islands of Inchmickery, Inchkeith, Inchcolm and Cramond Island itself. Return from here to the start of the causeway to Cramond Island.

Stage 4

Assuming you have arranged to arrive at the right time, head out along the concrete causeway; care is needed down a short flight of steps. The walk out to the island is longer than it appears, keeping just to the left of the pillars which were built to prevent boats passing through the gap. As the island is reached, pass to the left of the first graffitied ex-military buildings constructed for the Second World War, and follow an earth path uphill to the heart of the island.

Stage 5

The path leads up to the highest point of the island which, due to its position, is a superb viewpoint. Much of Edinburgh can be seen, from the Castle and Arthur's Seat out to the Port of Leith. Looking up the Forth the bridges are clearly seen on a decent day, whilst the other scattered islands dot the waters. You can continue along the path towards the northern end of the island, passing the remains of a former farmstead. When a t-junction is reached you can explore both to the right - visiting an old gun emplacement - or left, curving round to the other old military buildings guarding the estuary.

Stage 6

Pay close attention to the time and ensure you head back across the causeway to the mainland well in advance of the tide coming in. Pass to the right of the attractive whitewashed old houses, one of which houses a cafe. Pass through the moorings of the Cramond Boat Club near the mouth of the River Almond; this has been used as a harbour since Roman times, and an ancient carved lioness found in the water here in 1977. Continue on the path with the River Almond on your right, passing the Falls Cafe and forking right to stay near the water.

Stage 7

The path soon passes through the ruins of an old water-driven ironworks - the Caddells Forge - and associated housing. The fish ladder on the opposite side of the weir in the river here has recently been restored. There were once five mills along this stretch of the river.

Stage 8

Soon the path leads up a lengthy flight of steps, keeps high above the river and then descends more steps to return to the bank. Eventually it becomes a surfaced lane, and continues to reach the Old Cramond Brig - which was built in 1500 but is now closed to traffic. Turn right to cross the bridge, climbing past the hotel to reach the bus stop on the busy A90. From here you can catch a bus to return to Edinburgh; if you've arrived by car you need to retrace your steps back to the car park (an additional 2km). It is also possible to link the walk to that around the Cammo Estate that starts here, whilst those looking for a much longer route could continue on to Queensferry by reversing the Dalmeny Estate walk.

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