With its historic streets, expansive city parks, hilly surroundings, and canal towpaths, Edinburgh offers some of the most scenic running routes in the UK.

Whether you’re looking for a quick 5km run before work or training for a marathon, there are plenty of running routes around Edinburgh to suit every pace and preference.

 

 

Providing one of Edinburgh’s longest uninterrupted running routes, this flat towpath stretches to around 50km but is popular for its 9.6km out-and-back section between Fountainbridge and Kingsknowe. It also connects to the Water Leith Walkway, while cafes and pubs along the route provide welcome refreshments for those going the distance.

Distance: Fountainbridge to Kingsknowe: 9.6km; Entire towpath: Up to 50km

Best for: Marathon training, long-distance runners

Starting point from New Eidyn: Head to Fountainbridge where the towpath begins – around 25 minutes’ walk or a shorter warm up jog.

 

This canal path runs between Leith and Balerno, following the city’s main river through woodland, parks and riverside scenery. Its largely traffic-free path provides a quieter running route away from busier areas of Edinburgh city centre, with landmarks such as Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium and the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art along the way.

Distance: Around 10km out and back

Best for: Steady runs, marathon training, traffic-free 10km runs

Starting point from New Eidyn: Run north via St Andrew Square and Canonmills to join the walkway near Stockbridge or Dean Village, depending on your preferred distance.

 

 

One of the most scenic 5km running routes in Edinburgh, the Holyrood Park loop provides views of St Margaret’s Loch, Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. The gradual climb is ideal for runners looking to add gentle elevation to their route.

For more experienced runners, the paths around Arthur’s Seat provide steeper climbs and varied terrain for hill and endurance training.

Distance: 5km; Optional up to 8km

Best for: Scenic 5km runs, hill training

Starting point from New Eidyn: Head towards Holyrood Palace and join at Queen’s Drive.

 

Located just south of Old Town, this park route is a peaceful spot surrounded by trees, open green space and impressive views. The basic perimeter is around 2.5km, while a two-lap course provides a 5km route. Alternatively, you can mix up your route using the intersecting walkways that run through the park.

Distance: Two loops is around 5km  

Best for: Beginners, interval training

Starting point from New Eidyn: Head towards The Meadows and begin the route near Middle Meadow Walk.

 

Edinburgh is also home to a thriving running community with popular events taking place across the city, such as a parkrun every Saturday morning at 9:30am. The 5km routes include  Holyrood parkrun, which is the closest to New Eidyn, while the Portobello parkrun, Cramond/Silverknowes Promenade parkrun and Orium parkrun provide alternative options.  

 

 

Combining quiet parkland with a former railway path, this route offers a flatter alternative to Holyrood Park while avoiding many of the city's busier streets. Generally flat, the terrain means it’s good for beginners, recovery runs or anyone looking for a steady pace.

Distance: Around 4-6km

Best for: Easy runs, beginners, recovery runs

Starting point from New Eidyn: Head towards Easter Road and join the Restalrig Railway Path via Lochend Park.

 

Following a former Victorian railway line, the Innocent Railway Path offers a largely flat, traffic-free running route through the south of Edinburgh. One of its highlights is the 500-metre Innocent Railway Tunnel, Scotland's oldest public railway tunnel, before the route continues towards Duddingston and Brunstane.

Distance: Around 6.6km

Best for: Easy runs, beginners

Starting point from New Eidyn: Run down the Royal Mile towards St Leonard's before joining the path at St Leonard's Lane, around 20 minutes from New Eidyn.

 

 

This scenic route takes you through the centre of Edinburgh, past the city’s iconic Georgian architecture and garden greenery. Along the way, you’ll pass well-known landmarks such as Charlotte Square, St Andrew Square and George Street. For those looking for a 5km run, it’s one of the more popular flat running routes through Edinburgh city centre.

Distance: Around 4-5km 

Best for: Scenic routes, lunchtime 5km runs

Starting point from New Eidyn: Head onto Princes Street to start your loop.

 

This route loops through Edinburgh’s historic centre, linking the Royal Mile with Grassmarket, Victoria Street and Edinburgh Castle before returning through the Old Town. With cobbled streets, gentle climbs and city centre landmarks along the way, it’s the perfect scenic route for experienced runners.

Distance: Around 5-6km 

Best for: Sightseeing, moderate 5km runs

Starting point from New Eidyn: Head towards North Bridge before joining the Royal Mile.

 

Starting almost on New Eidyn’s doorstep, this shorter route is around 4km and incorporates a climb up Calton Hill. At the summit, it rewards runners with panoramic views of Edinburgh. To extend it, combine this loop with another city centre route.

Distance: Around 3-4km 

Best for: Sunrise views, hill training

Starting point from New Eidyn: Walk to Calton Hill via Waterloo Place.

 

Living in the centre of Edinburgh means having some of the city's best running routes right on your doorstep, from peaceful park loops to challenging hill climbs with panoramic views. Beyond your morning run, residents of New Eidyn can also enjoy Edinburgh’s range of highly rated restaurants, cultural attractions and expansive parks, making it easy to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle in Scotland’s capital city.

Find out more about life at New Eidyn.