The Water of Leith Walkway has recently been significantly improved due to Edinburgh Council and WREN funding.

Walkers and cyclists will now be able to see a big difference to the walkway which attracts over 120,000 visitors and locals per year.

The project recently received funding of £30,000 from WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Limited) and around £15,000 of Council money.

Covering 13 miles from Balerno to Leith, the footpath is very popular and was in need of improvement.

Now, people will be able to enjoy a number of improvements to the popular path.

There have been significant improvements made to the walkway between Roseburn Cliff and Dean Village.

The section of path at Dean Village, between the Belford Steps and the Dean Path Steps has also been re-surfaced. Roseburn Cliff Steps have also been resurfaced.

Cobbles have been replaced and a new cycle ramp has been installed to the side of the steps.

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New drainage has also been installed on the section of path which runs from Wester Coates to Magdala Steps and the path has also been re-surfaced.

Timber has been replaced and steps have been re-surfaced on cycleway steps which link the Water of Leith Walkway to North Edinburgh Cycleway.

And a concrete cycle ramp has also been installed to the side of the steps allowing cyclists to push their bike up or down the steps rather than carrying it.

Belford Steps is a well used route, particularly by tourists travelling to and from the National Galleries.

Now, timber risers have been replaced, the steps have been re-surfaced and a new handrail installed on the lower section of the steps.

Dean Path Steps have also been fully renovated with a new set of steps, consisting of timber risers and new handrails.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, Environmental Leader, said: "I'm very pleased this work has been completed, this is an excellent project which will benefit walkers and cyclists who use the Water of Leith Walkway. This scheme demonstrates the excellent community work which has been going on to get these plans up and running.

"We have been successfully working in partnership with WREN to bring some of the best community facilities to Edinburgh. Not only will these latest improvements benefit local people but they will bring huge benefits for the larger wider community who use the walkway to cycle to and from work."

Caroline Sanderson, Grant Manager from WREN, added: "It is a great project and we hope everyone using the walkway will be as pleased as we are with the improvements."

The works were also supported by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust who secured funding of around £4,500 for the scheme.

(GK/KMcA)