Ever wondered why Leith Walk feels so alive? It is more than just a street. It is a vibrant artery connecting Edinburgh and Leith. Welcome to Leith Walk. This iconic street has a story etched in every paving stone.
Leith Walk stretches 1.2 miles. It links the heart of Edinburgh to the historic port of Leith. For centuries, it has been a stage for history, commerce, and community.
Let’s step back in time. The Walk’s story began in the mid-15th century as a rough pathway. Imagine it evolving into a bustling thoroughfare. By 1650, a defensive rampart was built here. This rampart became a footpath. It shaped the very street we walk on today.
By the 18th century, Leith Walk transformed into a coach route. Picture horse-drawn carriages clattering along. In 1810, it was relaid as a splendid causeway. This made it even more vital.
Daniel Defoe described Leith Walk in 1725. He recalled his time in Edinburgh in 1706. He noted the broad causeway paved with stones, like a street. This walkway was about 20 feet broad. It was well-maintained at public expense. Horses were not allowed on it.
The street became known as “the Walk” because of the pedestrian traffic. It provided a shorter route to Edinburgh. It became even more important after the North Bridge was built.
In 1763, a regular coach service ran from Leith to Edinburgh. The Balfours of Pilrig House operated it. Coaches departed hourly from 8 am to 8 pm. The journey took an hour each way. Passengers rested at the Halfway House at Shrubhill.
By 1779, 156 coaches traveled Leith Walk daily. Each carried four passengers. The road fell into disrepair from frequent use. In 1810, it was rebuilt as a “splendid causeway.” The road level was raised by about six feet.
Today, Leith Walk is still a vital link. Buses and trams serve it well. Whether you walk, bike, or take the tram, Leith Walk is accessible. You will see shops and restaurants all along the way.
Leith Walk divides into smaller streets. These include Picardy Place and Antigua Street. Greenside Place and Elm Row are also parts of it. At the foot of the Walk, the Central Bar stands. It was once a station bar for Leith Central Station. At the top, you will find the Playhouse and the St James Quarter.
Leith Walk was one of the first places in Edinburgh to see trams. Leith had Scotland’s first electric tram in 1905. It terminated at Pilrig Church. Passengers had to change to Edinburgh’s cable cars. This was known as the Pilrig muddle. In 2023, tram cable wheels were installed at Iona Street. They serve as a monument to this history.
Edinburgh Corporation Tramways took over Leith’s trams in 1920. The problem of the Pilrig muddle was not fixed until 1925. Edinburgh’s last tram ran in November 1956. It terminated at the Shrubhill tram depot.
In April 2023, the tramline was completed. It connects Leith and Newhaven to the city center. Trams were tested for weeks. The line opened to the public in June 2023. Leith Walk now has two tram stops, McDonald Road and Balfour Street.
Leith Walk’s architecture is diverse. Before 1870, it was largely rural. Many mansion houses stood on the west side. When tenements were built, it was cheaper to buy mansions on the east side. This is why the two sides have different characters. John Chesser designed many tenements. They stretch eastwards to Easter Road.
McDonald Road Library is the most architecturally distinguished building on the Walk. It was built in 1902 in a Baronial Renaissance style. H Ramsay Taylor designed it.
Leith Walk is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to Edinburgh’s past. It is a vibrant hub connecting communities. As you walk along it today, remember the footsteps of centuries. Remember the coaches, the trams, and the people who shaped this iconic street. Its rich history and culture make it a vital part of Edinburgh’s heritage.