Go with the flow to learn river's history

THE route of a gentle two-hour stroll along the Water of Leith isn't perhaps the place where you'd have expected a famous Scottish climber prepare to tackle Everest.

But among the sites to be sighted along a guided walk from Balerno to Currie this Sunday will be the spot where Dougal Haston, the first Scot to climb the south-west face of the mountain, practised.

Helen Brown, manager for the Water of Leith Trust which is running the walk, says: "He was from Currie and he used to practise up the walls on the sides of the old railway line."

It's just one of a range of unexpected aspects in the history of this stretch of the Water of Leith, which will be revealed by community officer Charlotte Jolley, in the second of a series of four walks that the trust is running.

Helen says: "It's really an introduction to the Water of Leith walkway.

"People sometimes know one section quite well, perhaps because it's near where they live, but this is to try to introduce parts which they are not so familiar with."

The walkway, stretching from Balerno to Leith, was completed two-and-a-half years ago, although many parts have been open for decades - some sections along the route of the old Balerno branch railway were opened in the 1980s.

"Really, we are looking at the natural and social history of the area. Currie and Balerno were milling communities, so we will be examining that heritage," says Helen.

And of course there will be a chance to look out for the abundant wildlife which makes the river its home.

"It's a lovely stretch and it's a great place to see dippers, herons and kingfishers - although they're not always easy to spot.

"And it's a lovely time of year for all the wildflowers which are in bloom now," says Helen.

The walk costs 2.50 per person and is open to all, although it is not specifically aimed at children. Booking is essential - call 0131-455 7367