Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route opens in Edinburgh

Cycle paths and walking routes form the City of Edinburgh Council’s new green corridor.

Open to the public from Sunday 8th December, the new £17million active travel link has transformed previously disused land and public spaces in the hope of encouraging more people to walk, cycle or wheel. 

Approved for consultation in 2023, the new scheme is a significant part of wider plans for the Scottish capital to hit net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The development will mean cyclists no longer have to rely on busy, narrow streets like Russell Road. 

Connecting North Edinburgh Path Network via Roseburn Path, the Union Canal and the new City Centre West to East Link, the canal project also includes a number of major public realm upgrades, including Dalry Community Park. Previously inaccessible areas are being brought back into community use, with significant tree and flora planting taking place along the route. 

‘It was a real pleasure to open the brand new Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route today. This project will breathe new life into Dalry, revitalising previously less used community spaces and the community play park, whilst making it easier and safer for residents and visitors to get around and keep Edinburgh moving,’ said Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment.

‘Expanding active travel routes in the Capital is a key priority for us and remains central to our goal of becoming a net zero city by 2030, by providing people with more options for safe, sustainable travel,’ he continued. ‘I have no doubt that this route will be a great success as we carry on with delivering a greener, healthier, and more sustainable city for all.’

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Image: City of Edinburgh City Council