Best walks in Midlothian by train
MapA day hike in the countryside is just a simple train journey away — explore the most charmingly located railway stations in Midlothian and plan your next day of green.
Curriehill Station to Edinburgh Waverley Station
A very green, quiet and largely traffic-free route, gently downhill towards Edinburgh for most of the way, with a good surface throughout. It follows the Water of Leith Walkway and then the Union Canal towpath and ending through the city's parks and streets. A few steepish slopes but no stairs; the river path can be muddy in places. Follows National Cycle Route 75 for most of its length and is part of the John Muir Way; the Colinton Tunnel is a highlight. Princes Street Gardens open at 7am and close at dusk.
Easy: 12km, flat terrain.
The Slateford Aqueduct has only a narrow, cobbled towpath with a drop, so take care and be patient when passing others.
Lunch: Cafes near the route at Juniper Green, though most open around 10am.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Kirknewton Station to Curriehill Station
15m direct from Haymarket.
A mix of quiet roads and good field paths past Kaimes Hill and finishing along the Water of Leith. Paths can be indistinct in places.
Easy: 9km, moderate ascents.
The Glenbrook road has no pavement and tight bends, and a short section on the A70 (Lang Whang) has fast traffic on a long straight; take care. The path is indistinct near Kaimes Wood.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Gorebridge Station to Stow Station
30m direct from Edinburgh Waverley.
lovely blooming heather in early Sept. A long, quiet route through typical rolling Borders farmland: following the railway or river at first, then almost entirely on roads and well-made tracks, with grazed fields, a young plantation and stretches that sneak into heather moorland near the end. Exposed in places. There are no services along the route. Gorebridge has a Morrisons Daily; Stow has a small store, the Cloudhouse cafe/gallery and a cafe/restaurant at the station (check opening hours). The two stations are only about 18 minutes apart by train.
Tough: 30km, steep ascents.
Very exposed on a hot or windy day. The road from Tynehead to the Cowbraehill turnoff is fast with narrow verges. Cows graze some open fields the route crosses. A short section between Hangingshaw and Crookston Mains has no obvious path and could be tricky in cloud.
Lunch: No services along the route; stock up before setting off.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
West Calder Station to Kirknewton Station
15m direct from Haymarket.
13km. Moderate ascents.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Stow Station to Galashiels Station
1h direct from Edinburgh Waverley.
Tough: steep ascents. 12km.