New Leith Links path revealed

Yes, it was way back in 2007 that we first started campaigning for improvement to the path link between Leith and Portobello. Although there is a traffic free route covering much of the distance it is marred by steps, poor surfaces and bad maintenance. 

We organised a fancy dress bike ride to highlight the potential of the route then, and you can see a slideshow of photos from the day that highlights how much pushing, carrying and shoving was required along the way here.

Fast forwards four years, and the council, along with SUSTRANS, is committed to improving the route. Work has already started on improving the surface of the path between Seafield Street and Leith Academy.

Members of the City Cycling Edinburgh Forum have been sharing updates on the new path as it has been built here. 

One of the main remaining barriers to people using wheeled objects on the path are the poor quality steps that link Leith Links with the disused railway line that runs parallel with Seafield Road until Seafield Street.

Plans have been completed for a replacement ramp and bridge that will see the nasty steps removed. Whilst they will soon go through the planning process, with work set to start in this financial year, we've been given permission to share them online early. And here they are: 

Proposed ramp into Leith Links

The eagle eyed amongst you will have noted that the ramp is set to go straight through the Children's Ochard that we planted last year. 

However, don't worry, whilst the path will divide the orchard in two, we have worked closely with the council to make sure that the impact of the works will be minimised on the orchard. They have revised the route that was originally proposed at our request and only a handful of trees will now need to be moved, and this work, along with any fencing work, will be undertaken at no cost to Greener Leith. 

However, concious that the orchard could do with some maintenance we are also in the process of applying for some more funding to support the development of the orchard after the path is completed. 

In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled on this blog. We'll be announcing the date of a volunteer day at the orchard soon. 

We'll also be calling on you to back a funding bid to extend the orchard along the path towards Seafield Street in a few weeks, so if you don't fancy getting your hands dirty you'll still be able to help with just a few clicks of your mouse.