The best walks around Edinburgh: The Water of Leith

The Port of Leith, where the walking tour starts

The YouTuber and videographer has brought in the new year by exploring the Water of Leith – the picturesque river flowing near central Edinburgh.

He starts the walk at the Port of Leith – technically “the end” of the scenic route, as Mr Mason points out – and navigates the waterway upstream to Balerno.

The ten-part walking series, sponsored by the Scotsman and the Edinburgh Evening News, will celebrate the best of the outdoors in and around Edinburgh.

Mr Mason returned to his native Edinburgh in October after spending five years living on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

After spending lockdown on the European continent, the 40-year-old has set about reconnecting with his native city by filming the series of outdoor guided tours.

In part two, Mr Mason explores a gem on the doorstep of locals by navigating the highlights of the 12-mile long walking path.

St Bernard's Well

He marvels at the modernisation of sections of the route, while romanticising about the beauty of Stockbridge, which Mr Mason says is a walk down “memory lane” after starting his schooling days at Stockbridge Primary.

The adventurer also visits St Bernard’s Well and treads the cobblestones of Edinburgh heritage site Dean Village.

In future parts of the series, Mr Mason will be climbing the Braid Hills, trekking out to Cramond Island and heading further afield to the Pentland Hills, once Covid restrictions ease.