The fourth and final Kiltwalk of 2016 takes place on Sunday 18th September and is located in Scotland’s capital, following the same format as the previous Kiltwalks. With three distance options from which to choose, the Mighty Stride, the Big Stroll and the Wee Wander the main route loops around the city with stunning sea and mountain views along the way.
Murrayfield Stadium, the famous home of Scottish rugby, is the start and finish point for all three walks, including the most challenging of all – The Mighty Stride.
Most walkers will exit Murrayfield Stadium and go through Roseburn Public Park, where the route will follow the north edge of the park, then go along the Water of Leith to Roseburn Path, which is part of the National Cycle Network.
After this, you will cut through the grounds of St George’s School for Girls, which is set in 15 acres of landscaped parklands. The school was founded in 1888 – however, the purpose-built campus was constructed in 1914 and designed by renowned Edinburgh architect Arthur Foreman Balfour Paul.
The route continues along the National Cycle Network from Roseburn Path, following onto Blackhall Path towards Silverknowes Golf Club. This is where the route snakes around west of the course, heading towards the coast.
From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Forth Estuary and Forth bridges as you walk. Gypsy Brae Recreational Ground is the location of pit stop number one at mile 5.2 of the route, and is also the starting point of the shorter Wee Wander route – which is just 6 miles and starts at 1pm.
Walkers will continue along West Harbour Road through the town of Granton. where you will be able to see boats docked on Granton Harbour, which was once the proud home of larger commercial ships and shipbuilding yards.
If you’re doing The Big Stroll, you’ll start to head towards the finishing line at Murrayfield at this point of the route, around the outskirts of Trinity and towards Maidencraig.
Those taking part in The Mighty Stride, will soon see the welcoming sight of pit stop number two, which is in Victoria Park. This beautiful park has been a Green Flag award winner since 2011, so you can enjoy the flora and rolling parkland as you stroll through the grounds.
The route then briefly follows the Water of Leith, crossing it towards Leith, a unique and culturally diverse town with a fascinating history and a lively mix of bars and restaurants.
Then, you’ll arrive at the coastal pit stop number three at Portobello Promenade. This famous beach offers miles of sand and inspiring views as you walk along the edge of the Georgian town of Portobello.
Heading inland, you’ll follow the meandering Brunstane Burn towards Holyrood. As you pass Niddrie, you may catch a glimpse of the sparkling Duddingston Loch at the south of Holyrood Park.
The walk follows around the southern point of Holyrood Park where you’ll see Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano that sits 251 metres above sea level. You’ll also be delighted to come across pit stop number five! It’s in the 640 acre Holyrood Park, which sits next to the Palace of Holyrood House and the Scottish Parliament Building. You might also catch a glimpse of Holyrood Palace as you tackle this part of the walk.
The route continues through Royal Terrace Gardens and King George V Park, a quiet, leafy area that was opened in 1950 by the Duke of Buccleuch as a memorial to its namesake following his death in 1936.
Easter Drylaw Park is next up, a small community park that is also home to pit stop six, just less than three miles from the finishing line. Don’t worry - you’re nearly there!
The final Kiltwalk of 2016 finishes up at Murrayfield Stadium where the route began. Your feet might be aching by this point, but you can be satisfied that you’ve done a great walk – and now you can celebrate your achievement!
And if you haven’t had chance to take part in one of this year’s walks but would like to make a difference to the children of Scotland you can still donate online.