Start : Begin the walk at the small, secluded promontory of West Pier, with its lovely view of Western Harbour, The Royal Yacht Britannia and a Gormley statue. West Pier is quickly reached by heading North, from the Main Entrance of Ocean Terminal, and then turning left past Debenhams. Postcode : EH6 6JH
(S/E) From West Pier, our route takes us South-Eastwards, on Ocean Drive passing to the North of Victoria Dock. Bear right at the dock end along Rennie’s Isle. Cut left through housing to cross the Swing Bridge and pass to the South of the Albert and Edinburgh Docks along Ocean Drive.
(1) On reaching the Casino, (second roundabout), turn right up (South-South-West) Constitution Street. Cross the busy junction with A199 with great care. Continue inland South, passing Khublai Khan’s, then turn left (West) on Links Place to Leith Links park.
(2) Proceed Eastwards along its Northern border on Links Place.
(3) Rise diagonally, to the left (East) along Links Garden, onto the raised cycle-path, which is then followed for 1 km to Seafield Street past Seafield Cemetery on your right. Having used the cycle path to avoid the busy Leith streets we now negotiate our way back towards the coast.
(4) Turn left to cross Seafield Road (A199) at the lights. Go slightly left to get across the railway at the level-crossing and so enter Marine Esplanade. Turn right (West-South-West) immediately in front of the Sewage Works Path. Follow the path all the way to Portobello Promenade.
(5) Continue along the Promenade (with the beach on your left) to Joppa Road (B6415).
(6) Turn left and walk East along the seaward side of the main Musselburgh Road (B6415). Cut left onto the sands when possible, and on to Fisherrow Harbour.
(7) Pass Fisherrow Harbour on your left along New Street and seek for the Promenade on your left along the beachside. Continue Eastwards along the Promenade and the seaward side of the Links to the River Esk.
(8) Turn sharp right (South) up the true left bank of the River Esk. Cross to Eskside on the right bank via the footbridge on your left.
(9) Turn right along Eskside East then carry on along the riverside. Go under the main Musselburgh Bridge. Continue upriver.
(10) Go over Olivebank Road (A6095) at the roundabout, and walk onwards alongside the river, past the old Mills, towards Stoneybank.
(11) Continue along this riverside path on your right as it curves all the way to Cowpits Road.
(12) Continue right (South) along Cowpits Road. On reaching the roundabout at the main road (A6094), turn sharp left into Whitecraig Village. (S/E)
