Improvement works along popular towpath route complete in time for Cycle to Work Day

Works to improve a popular walking and cycling route along Edinburgh’s Union Canal are now complete.

Project partners Sustrans joined Scottish Canals earlier today at the site, to officially open the new path on Cycle to Work Day.

Scottish whin natural stone paving, between Leamington Lift Bridge and the boundary of Edinburgh Quay, has been laid to create a new smooth surface to improve accessibility for all users. New lighting has also been installed to increase safety for towpath users and boaters.

Six new 32A power bollards have also been installed as part of Scottish Canals’ commitment to achieving its target of reaching net zero for direct carbon emissions by 2030. The bollards will help to future-proof the area for boats with heavier electrical demand in the coming years providing charging to electric water craft.

The £1.15m works, which were backed by funding from Scottish Government and developed and delivered through partnership between Scottish Canals and Sustrans, as well as additional third party funding, will improve the experience of active travel and leisure users.

Previous improvement works in the area have also included upgrades to paving to the east of Lochrin Basin and Boroughmuir High School. 

Whilst carrying out the works a 200-year-old historical wall was also discovered which formed part of the original canal wall.

The wall survived under the modern surface and behind a concrete wall that was built during the 1920s, and although research indicated that it may have survived since 1822 when the canal opened, the amount and condition was a pleasant surprise. 

Scottish Canals working with Historic Environment Scotland were able to archaeologically record the find and it was left in situ under the new surfacing for future generations.

The towpath is part of the popular National Cycle Network connecting coast to coast and city to city.

Using the route regularly are the Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust’s (FCCT) Health Walking Group. The group meet every Thursday at 10am at the sculptured swans at the canal basin in Fountainbridge. Led by trained walk leaders, part of the Scottish Health Walks Network, the group is also dementia friendly. 

FCCT’s Community Navigator, Fiona Lough said: 

“Our group keeps going from strength to strength since it was first set up in October 2022 and is for people of all ages. We walk every week along this stretch of the towpath and improving this section and making the path more level will make a big difference those who join us on our walks.”

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.”

Sustrans’ Director for the National Cycle Network, Carole Patrick, said: 

“We’re delighted to see these improvements to what is a key link in West Edinburgh, connecting onto National Cycle Network Route 75. 

“The works have regenerated this section of the canal towpath. Previously a rough and uneven surface, journeys by bike and wheelchair were particularly difficult. Now with a fully accessible surface and additional lighting, more people can walk, wheel and cycle along the route year-round.

“We hope to see more locals using the traffic-free path for their everyday journeys, and benefitting from all the canal has to offer."

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: 

“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."