Edinburgh: Water of Leith Walking Tour with Art Historian｜United Kingdom

Tour meeting point: Entrance gate to Modern One, National Gallery of Scotland (75 Belford Road)

Join Emma - a trained art historian and practising artist - for a journey through Edinburgh’s history, art, and heritage. Beginning with Modern One’s sculpture garden, we will explore sculptures by Richard Long, Barbara Hepworth, and more, with Emma’s expert insights.

A short detour will take us to the Dean Cemetery, one of Edinburgh’s famous kirkyards, where we’ll uncover the stories of the Scottish Enlightenment and the city’s literary importance.

From there, we’ll follow the Water of Leith Walkway, passing landmarks such as Belford Bridge and Bells Brae. Emma will delve into the history of the city’s industrial past while we pass along the river which facilitated Edinburgh’s milling boom.

Arriving in the famed Dean Village, we’ll delve deeper into the area’s milling heritage through its picturesque architecture before continuing along the Walkway, passing St Bernard’s Well, and terminating at Stockbridge, one of Edinburgh's most beloved neighbourhoods. Participants will discover the Victorian history of this district, and what makes it so popular.

The tour concludes in Stockbridge, where participants may choose to stay for food or a beverage in one of the district’s many gorgeous cafes, restaurants, or pubs.

Tour length:
Approximately 2 hours.

Sites visited:
Modern One and Modern 2: National Galleries of Scotland, Dean Cemetery, Belford Bridge, Dean Village, St Bernard’s Well, Dean Bridge, Stockbridge, the Water of Leith

About Emma:
With a robust academic background in art history, Emma is a multidisciplinary artist and curator with an emphatic love for Edinburgh’s history and aesthetics. Having delivered tours with The National Gallery, Bristol Museums, and more, visitors are in safe hands with Emma’s experienced and uniquely playful style of delivery.

Keep in mind:
This tour involves a fair amount of walking - approximately 4.5k (2.75 miles).
Those joining the tour are encouraged to wear suitable footwear (which is mostly anything but heels or flipflops).
Wheelchair-using guests/parents with prams are more than welcome to join. Please notify Emma ahead of the tour so she can factor in mobility needs.