Geo-Trips :: Walking the Union Canal between Lockhart Bridge and Ratho

Union Canal

A walk from Lockhart Bridge, Tue, 7 May 2013 by Anne Burgess

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A walk along the Union Canal towpath between Lockhart Bridge in Edinburgh and Ratho.

Click the blue circles to see a photograph taken from that spot and read further information about the location. The blue lines indicate the direction of view. There is also a slideshow of this trip. ( )

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NT2371 : Plaque on Lockhart Bridge by Anne Burgess
Plaque on Lockhart Bridge
This plaque is on the parapet of the Lockhart Bridge over the Union Canal.

NT2371 : Union Canal at Merchiston by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Merchiston
Looking towards the city centre from the Lockhart Bridge at the top of Ashley... more

NT2371 : Union Canal at Merchiston by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Merchiston
Looking away from the city centre. The houses on the right are in Ashley Drive.

NT2371 : Canal Boathouses by Anne Burgess
Canal Boathouses
Two of the boathouses used by rowing clubs stand on the south bank of the Union... more

NT2371 : Union Canal and Colinton Road by Anne Burgess
Union Canal and Colinton Road
The bus is heading into town along Colinton Road at Meggetland.

NT2371 : Bridges at Meggetland by Anne Burgess
Bridges at Meggetland
A modern bridge carries road traffic over the Union Canal into Meggetland, where... more

NT2371 : Old Canal Bridge at Meggetland by Anne Burgess
Old Canal Bridge at Meggetland
This is taken from just under the new road bridge. The old bridge is open for pedestrians.

NT2371 : Union Canal at Meggetland by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Meggetland
The view from the old bridge off Colinton Road, with the [[[3457150]]] in the background.

NT2271 : Meggetland Flats by Anne Burgess
Meggetland Flats
There are several blocks of modern flats beside the Union Canal at Meggetland. I... more

NT2270 : A Pair of Mallard by Anne Burgess
A Pair of Mallard
These wild ducks have obviously learned to associate humans with food, because... more

NT2270 : Former Railway Bridge by Anne Burgess
Former Railway Bridge
The bridge now carries a path and cycleway over the Union Canal at Craiglockhart.

NT2270 : Solomon's Seal by Anne Burgess
Solomon's Seal
I was delighted to find a patch of Solomon's Seal growing just beside the Union... more

NT2270 : Canalside Offices by Anne Burgess
Canalside Offices
Modern office blocks reflected in the Union Canal. If there is anything to say... more

NT2270 : Prince Charlie Aqueduct at Slateford by Anne Burgess
Prince Charlie Aqueduct at Slateford
There are two aqueducts at Slateford. This, the shorter one, carries the Union... more

NT2270 : Canal Court by Anne Burgess
Canal Court
This is the view from the aqueduct of the modern flats just off Slateford Road.... more

NT2270 : Between the Aqueducts by Anne Burgess
Between the Aqueducts
This is the short stretch of the Union Canal which connects the [[[3457208]]] with... more

NT2270 : Slateford Aqueduct by Anne Burgess
Slateford Aqueduct
The longer of the two aqueducts at Slateford carries the Union Canal over the glen... more

NT2270 : Taking a Breather by Anne Burgess
Taking a Breather
A cyclist takes advantage of one of the all too few benches along the Union Canal... more

NT2270 : Slateford Viaduct by Anne Burgess
Slateford Viaduct
The viaduct carries the former Caledonian Railway Edinburgh and Glasgow line over... more

NT2270 : Water of Leith by Anne Burgess
Water of Leith
The Water of Leith passes under the Slateford Viaduct. On the right is part of the... more

NT2170 : Union Canal at Slateford by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Slateford
The waterway on the Slateford Aqueduct is too narrow to accommodate more than one... more

NT2170 : Slateford Aqueduct by Anne Burgess
Slateford Aqueduct
he longer of the two aqueducts at Slateford carries the Union Canal over the glen... more

NT2170 : Union Canal at Longstone by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Longstone
As the Union Canal leaves the city, it becomes more rural in aspect, with more... more

NT2170 : Millennium Cycleway Signpost by Anne Burgess
Millennium Cycleway Signpost
This milepost, intriguingly, points to Glasgow in both directions. To the left, it... more

NT2170 : Burke and Hare by Anne Burgess
Burke and Hare
This carving, by the artist Roberto Coia from a single tree trunk, represents the... more

NT2170 : Bridge on the Union Canal by Anne Burgess
Bridge on the Union Canal
This bridge looks as if it has been rebuilt relatively recently, replacing one of... more

NT2070 : Flats by the Canal by Anne Burgess
Flats by the Canal
The canal emerges from a rural section into Wester Hailes, and this is the first... more

NT2070 : Union Canal at Hailesland by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Hailesland
This stretch of the canal is not only becoming partly obstructed by vegetation,... more

NT2070 : Masochism Equipment by Anne Burgess
Masochism Equipment
An outdoor gym in Hailes Quarry Park offers an opportunity for those who don't... more

NT2070 : Narrow Passage by Anne Burgess
Narrow Passage
The canal narrows sharply to pass under Dumbryden Road via Bridge 5AA. One of the... more

NT2070 : Union Canal at Hailesland by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Hailesland
Looking east from the bridge at Dumbryden Road. Hailes Quarry park is just visible... more

NT2070 : Twin Bridges by Anne Burgess
Twin Bridges
The nearer bridge is older, and the further away, newer bridge, carries Dumbryden... more

NT2070 : Union Canal Bridge No 6 by Anne Burgess
Union Canal Bridge No 6
This isn't the original Bridge No 6, of course, but a modern replacement. It... more

NT2070 : Bridge at Dumbryden by Anne Burgess
Bridge at Dumbryden
The carvings on the side of Bridge No 6 make it clear that it crosses the Union... more

NT2070 : Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) by Anne Burgess
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
I was surprised to find this flourishing clump of coltsfoot growing in the canal... more

NT2070 : Footbridge at Hailesland by Anne Burgess
Footbridge at Hailesland
The bridge provides pedestrian access from new flats across the Union Canal to the... more

NT2070 : Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustris) by Anne Burgess
Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustris)
The clumps of Marsh Marigold, also called Kingcups, along the south bank of the... more

NT2070 : Hailesland Gardens by Anne Burgess
Hailesland Gardens
Looking across the Union Canal towards the relatively low-rise blocks of flats in... more

NT2070 : Union Canal Bridge by Anne Burgess
Union Canal Bridge
This bridge, which carries Clovenstone Road across the canal, is numbered 6b.... more

NT1970 : Greenways Bridge by Anne Burgess
Greenways Bridge
A graceful arch, reflected in the mirror-like surface of the canal.

NT1970 : Union Canal Footbridges by Anne Burgess
Union Canal Footbridges
The nearer bridge is [[[3462801]]]. Note another late-flowering [[[3462760]]]... more

NT1970 : Union Canal Bridge No 6c by Anne Burgess
Union Canal Bridge No 6c
When this section of the canal was restored as a millennium project in 2000, it... more

NT1970 : Sighthill Drive by Anne Burgess
Sighthill Drive
There's a wide view here from the Union Canal towpath, which is elevated relative... more

NT1970 : Wester Hailes by Anne Burgess
Wester Hailes
Varied styles of houses and flats at Wester Hailes.

NT1970 : Union Canal at Wester Hailes by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Wester Hailes
This bridge, numbered 7, carries the busy dual carriageway Wester Hailes Road... more

NT1970 : Cowslips (Primula veris) by Anne Burgess
Cowslips (Primula veris)
Small bright-yellow flowers in clusters are the mark of the Cowslip, of which... more

NT1970 : Canalside Houses by Anne Burgess
Canalside Houses
A recent development of new houses on the opposite bank is reflected in the Union Canal.

NT1970 : Union Canal and Footbridge by Anne Burgess
Union Canal and Footbridge
The footbridge gives access to the towpath from the housing estates between the... more

NT1970 : Canal Basin by Anne Burgess
Canal Basin
The Union Canal widens here at both sides, providing a basin with room for boats... more

NT1870 : Calder Crescent by Anne Burgess
Calder Crescent
Relatively low-rise flats west of Wester Hailes Road.

NT1870 : Union Canal by Anne Burgess
Union Canal
The canal here passes between the City Bypass, on the left, and the housing... more

NT1870 : Carved Bench by Anne Burgess
Carved Bench
Actually it's more of a carving than just a bench. It is part of the Calders... more

NT1870 : Calder Road Overbridges by Anne Burgess
Calder Road Overbridges
The nearer of these two bridges carries the A70, a dual carriageway, over the... more

NT1870 : Redundant Bridge by Anne Burgess
Redundant Bridge
This is the old bridge which has been replaced by a modern bridge just to its... more

NT1870 : Bridge at Hermiston Quay by Anne Burgess
Bridge at Hermiston Quay
This new bridge is the access to various businesses at Hermiston Quay. It also... more

NT1870 : Union Canal at Hermiston Quay by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Hermiston Quay
The canal curves to the west here (or, if you are coming from the west, it curves... more

NT1870 : Hermiston Quay by Anne Burgess
Hermiston Quay
The stark block on the right is the headquarters of the National Trust for... more

NT1870 : Scott Russell Aqueduct by Anne Burgess
Scott Russell Aqueduct
Built to allow the A720 City Bypass to pass underneath, the name commemorates the... more

NT1870 : City Bypass by Anne Burgess
City Bypass
Looking north from the Scott Russell Aqueduct. The slip road at far left links... more

NT1870 : Scott Russell Aqueduct and City Bypass by Anne Burgess
Scott Russell Aqueduct and City Bypass
Quite a contrast between the slow and peaceful progress on the canal, and the busy... more

NT1870 : Bridges at Hermiston by Anne Burgess
Bridges at Hermiston
The nearer bridge is an accommodation bridge, allowing access across the canal... more

NT1870 : White Deadnettle (Lamium album) by Anne Burgess
White Deadnettle (Lamium album)
There are plenty of these plants on the bank beside the canal towpath.

NT1870 : Lunch Break by Anne Burgess
Lunch Break
Employees from nearby businesses enjoy a walk in the sunshine during their lunch... more

NT1870 : Canal Bridge by Anne Burgess
Canal Bridge
The bridge carrying the truncated Gogar Station Road across the Union Canal near... more

NT1870 : Canal Artwork by Anne Burgess
Canal Artwork
One of the wrought iron features beside the Union Canal. The boys have been... more

NT1770 : Going for a Dip by Anne Burgess
Going for a Dip
These two dogs were hysterical with excitement as their owner threw a stick into... more

NT1770 : Union Canal at Hermiston by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Hermiston
The towpath of the Union Canal is obviously a popular walk.

NT1770 : Bridge at Hermiston Farm by Anne Burgess
Bridge at Hermiston Farm
This bridge gives access across the canal from Hermiston Farm.

NT1770 : Reflections in the Union Canal by Anne Burgess
Reflections in the Union Canal
This tree-lined reach is at Hermiston House.

NT1770 : Union Canal from Hermiston Bridge by Anne Burgess
Union Canal from Hermiston Bridge
Looking east towards Edinburgh from the bridge that carries Hermiston House Road... more

NT1770 : Accumulated Rubbish by Anne Burgess
Accumulated Rubbish
This sort of thing makes my blood boil. Why can people not take their rubbish to a... more

NT1770 : M8 Motorway by Anne Burgess
M8 Motorway
Looking towards the end of the motorway at the City Bypass. On the left is a slip... more

NT1770 : Hermiston Bridge by Anne Burgess
Hermiston Bridge
The road over this bridge is Hermiston House Road. Hermiston House itself is more... more

NT1670 : Union Canal by Anne Burgess
Union Canal
A gentle curve in the canal, keeping it at the same level on the 241 foot contour.

NT1670 : Dandelion (Taraxacum sp) by Anne Burgess
Dandelion (Taraxacum sp)
The central florets are still tightly packed together, showing that this flower is... more

NT1670 : Dandelion (Taraxacum sp) by Anne Burgess
Dandelion (Taraxacum sp)
This flower is fully open. Compare with [[[3514844]]].

NT1670 : Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) by Anne Burgess
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
Typically, the leaves have not appeared. They will unfurl once the flowers are over.

NT1670 : Gooseberry Flowers by Anne Burgess
Gooseberry Flowers
There's a gooseberry bush just beside the canal towpath, laden with greenish flowers.

NT1670 : Union Canal by Anne Burgess
Union Canal
I have to admit that one reach of the canal bears a strong resemblance to many... more

NT1670 : A Small Open Wood by Anne Burgess
A Small Open Wood
A small patch of woodland on the north side of the Union Canal. where the ground... more

NT1670 : Union Canal at Jaw Bridge by Anne Burgess
Union Canal at Jaw Bridge
It's not obvious from here, but the canal here crosses the Gogar Burn on an... more

NT1670 : Gogar Burn by Anne Burgess
Gogar Burn
The burn runs in a tunnel about 15 metres below the level of the canal. This is... more

NT1670 : Jaw Bridge by Anne Burgess
Jaw Bridge
This is an accommodation bridge, giving the farmer access to fields on the north... more

NT1670 : Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) by Anne Burgess
Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis)
This poisonous plant with its modest greenish flowers is very common in shady woodland.

NT1670 : Cyclists at the Overflow by Anne Burgess
Cyclists at the Overflow
Two of the many cyclists on the towpath pass one of the overflows that control the... more

NT1570 : Canalside Cyclists by Anne Burgess
Canalside Cyclists
Walking the towpath, one has to keep eyes peeled and ears alert for passing... more

NT1570 : Daisy (Bellis perennis) by Anne Burgess
Daisy (Bellis perennis)
They're so common that we tend to overlook them, and forget to admire their... more

NT1570 : Union Canal by Anne Burgess
Union Canal
Looking eastwards, with Jaw Bridge in the distance.

NT1570 : Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea syn Nepeta glechoma) by Anne Burgess
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea syn Nepeta glechoma)
A common and inconspicuous plant with a bewildering variety of common names -... more

NT1570 : Horsetail (Equisetum sp) by Anne Burgess
Horsetail (Equisetum sp)
I haven't been able to make up my mind exactly what species of horsetail these are.

NT1570 : Walkers at Gogar Moor Bridge by Anne Burgess
Walkers at Gogar Moor Bridge
This is the last bridge over the canal before Ratho, if you are going west;... more

NT1570 : Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) by Anne Burgess
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
Also known, more picturesquely, as Jack-by-the-Hedge.

NT1570 : Water Avens (Geum rivale) by Anne Burgess
Water Avens (Geum rivale)
A common plant of damp places, and one of my favourites.

NT1570 : Crosswort (Cruciata laevipes) by Anne Burgess
Crosswort (Cruciata laevipes)
A lime-loving plant of the bedstraw family.

NT1570 : Bridge No 14 by Anne Burgess
Bridge No 14
The carved bridge number here is easy enough to read. The bridge is also known as... more

NT1570 : Few-Flowered Leek by Anne Burgess
Few-Flowered Leek
Introduced from the Caucasus, this is an invasive species which smothers anything... more

NT1570 : Pink Purslane (Claytonia sibirica) by Anne Burgess
Pink Purslane (Claytonia sibirica)
Introduced, but not known to be invasive as yet. I have no idea what the insect is.

NT1570 : Union Canal by Anne Burgess
Union Canal
A shady stretch of the canal, not far from Ratho.

NT1570 : Canal Curve by Anne Burgess
Canal Curve
The canal curves gently to follow the contour.

NT1571 : Ashley House by Anne Burgess
Ashley House
The view of the house from the canal towpath.

NT1571 : Cycling round the Curve by Anne Burgess
Cycling round the Curve
Another trio of cyclists follows the Union Canal towpath.

NT1571 : Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) by Anne Burgess
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
No, it's not a dandelion clock, but the seed head of Coltsfoot, with silky threads... more

NT1571 : Budding Ash by Anne Burgess
Budding Ash
Leaves and flowers unfurling; at least this ash has not succumbed to the latest... more

NT1471 : Union Canal by Anne Burgess
Union Canal
Looking east towards Gogar from just outside Ratho.

NT1470 : Narrowboat on the Union Canal by Anne Burgess
Narrowboat on the Union Canal
This narrowboat chugged very slowly past me, careful not to create a bow wave.

NT1470 : Outskirts of Ratho by Anne Burgess
Outskirts of Ratho
Ratho is expanding eastwards along the canal.

NT1272 : Ratho Station by Anne Burgess
Ratho Station
The busy A8 through the village of Ratho Station; the view from the top deck of a... more

NT1672 : The Royal Bank Bridge by Anne Burgess
The Royal Bank Bridge
The view of the bridge from the top of a double-decker bus.

NT1672 : Royal Bank Bus Stop by Anne Burgess
Royal Bank Bus Stop
At busy times, the service buses divert via the Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters.

NT2172 : Saughtonhall Drive by Anne Burgess
Saughtonhall Drive
Smartly whitewashed terraced houses with interesting detailing.

All images © Anne Burgess and available under a Creative Commons licence external link.

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