Sustrans has worked with Scottish Canals to improve a section of the canal towpath in the West of Edinburgh, which connects the popular National Cycle Network Route 75 with the city centre. The project has made it possible for more people to walk, wheel and cycle the route for commuting and other everyday journeys.
The improvements make it possible for more people to walk, wheel and cycle along the canal. Credit: Sustrans.
Sustrans joined Scottish Canals and Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust yesterday to officially open the new path on Cycle to Work Day – the UK's biggest cycle commuting event.
The works, led by Scottish Canals, have regenerated the Union Canal towpath between Leamington Lift Bridge and the boundary of Edinburgh Quay.
Although a popular active travel link in the city, connecting onto a well-used section of National Cycle Network Route 75, the path was in poor condition.
A rough and uneven surface made journeys difficult, especially for those cycling or using a wheelchair or walking aid.
These issues were exacerbated in the darker winter months, due to insufficient lighting.
To address this, the project has laid Scottish whin stone paving to create a smooth new surface, and additional lighting was also installed to increase safety for towpath users and boaters alike.
Now with a well-lit, fully accessible surface, the route feels safe and welcoming - enabling more people to walk, wheel and cycle along the path year-round.
Alongside the improvements for active travel, new power bollards have also been installed as part of Scottish Canals’ net zero commitments.
Providing charging to electric water craft, the bollards will help future-proof the area for the coming years.
Smoother underfoot and underpaw, the new path is accessible to everyone. Credit: Sustrans.
Improvements for walking and cycling are backed by locals
The towpath is a key traffic-free link connecting National Cycle Network Route 75 with the city centre.
Many people living on the west side of Edinburgh use the route for their commute to work and other everyday journeys, as well as for leisure.
Rowan lives in Colinton and regularly uses the route along the canal to cycle his children in and out of town:
“We go on the bike because we just like being in the outdoors and seeing all the swans and the ducks along the canal. I definitely feel like it’s nice for the kids to interact with the world a bit more.
“I used to work at the end of the canal so I used to run on it quite a lot. It was quite an uneven surface and now it’s nicely cobbled over.”
Rowan's children enjoy stopping to pick blackberries on their journeys along the canal. Credit: Sustrans.
Local resident Roxanne has lived in the area for seven years, and uses the path on a regular basis:
“We used to be very car-focused, because we were a little bit further down the road. I still appreciate the role of a car. But since having twins and needing the double buggy, we’ve moved to Fountainbridge, and we've been using Lothian Buses and been on foot up and down the canal.
"The smoother connection here has made a big difference. We've been watching it develop because rattling over old cobbles with a pram on the canal wasn't working. And for cyclists it's much safer. I will walk up here to work as well, as I go back. It's a big help and I think it's good for the canal as well.”
We know from our Walking and Cycling Index that, like Rowan and Roxanne, the majority of Edinburgh residents want to walk and cycle more – and they want to drive less.
The Walking and Cycling Index is the UK's biggest ever study of walking, wheeling and cycling.
However, they need more infrastructure that makes it possible for them to do so.
According to the Edinburgh Index, more traffic‑free cycle paths away from roads, such as through parks or along waterways like the Union Canal, would help 73% of residents to cycle more.
In addition, 72% of Edinburgh residents said better pavement accessibility, such as level surfaces and dropped kerbs at crossing points, would help them walk or wheel more.
Roxanne added:
"The pavements are either really good or really terrible. And in Fountainbridge, this new section’s excellent, but there are roads like the road down to the Printworks building that’s quite dangerous. We actually have to go on the road in sections because it's [the pavement is] so broken."
Walking is often the quickest way for Roxanne to get where she needs to go with her kids. Credit: Sustrans.
Working in partnership
The £1.15m works were backed by funding from the Scottish Government and developed and delivered through a partnership between Scottish Canals and Sustrans, as well as additional third-party funding.
Scottish Canals’ Chief Operating Officer Richard Millar said:
“The completion of these towpath improvement works marks a significant step forward in enhancing accessibility and connectivity for all users.
“The new surface will provide a safer and more comfortable experience ensuring this area of the towpath can be enjoyed all year round by those walking, offering a more accessible route for everyone to enjoy.”
Carole Patrick, Director for the National Cycle Network at Sustrans, added:
“We’re delighted to see these improvements to what is a key link in West Edinburgh, connecting onto the popular National Cycle Network Route 75.
“We hope to see more locals using it for their commute and other everyday journeys, and benefitting from all the canal has to offer.”
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, also welcomed the improvements:
“I’m pleased to welcome these improvements to the towpath at the Union Canal. Funded by over £900,000 from the Scottish Government, the new lighting and surfacing will make it easier for people to use the path for walking, wheeling and cycling.
“Active travel routes like this one, enable more people to save money, live healthier lives and leave their car at home to reduce their emissions – whether they are getting to work or making other everyday journeys.
“To support the ambition for more high-quality active travel infrastructure across Scotland, we are investing £188 million into active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. This will help ensure more people and communities across the country can benefit from easier sustainable travel options."
National Cycle Network Director Carole Patrick and Senior Network Development Manager Neill Malone joined partners Scottish Canals to open the new path on Cycle to Work Day on 7th August. Credit: Scottish Canals.
