9k Run Edinburgh: Scenic Journey from Haymarket to Lochrin Basin

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.7km point-to-point route offers a masterclass in Edinburgh’s "hidden" green corridors, taking you from the bustling transport hub of Haymarket to the serene Lochrin Basin. With a negligible 31m of accent, this is a flat and fast run that transitions beautifully from the wooded, riverside trails of the Water of Leith Walkway to the steady, paved Victorian towpaths of the Union Canal. Runners will enjoy a mostly traffic-free experience, passing the imposing Murrayfield Stadium and navigating a mix of 75% paved surfaces and soft, compacted earth—ideal for those looking for a scenic long-distance tempo run or a peaceful weekend jog away from the city's cobblestones.

Local runners cherish this loop for its historical contrast; you start in the shadow of the world’s oldest international rugby stadium before diving into a lush valley that feels miles from the capital. The Water of Leith was once the industrial heart of the city, powering over 70 mills, while the Union Canal, completed in 1822, remains a marvel of civil engineering that once transported coal between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Today, these waterways serve as the city’s lungs. Look out for the resident herons and kingfishers near Roseburn, and enjoy the vibrant community of narrowboats as you approach the finish at Fountainbridge—once home to the city’s famous North British Rubber Company and now a thriving hub for post-run coffee.