Colinton Tunnel
Address: Water of Leith Walkway, Colinton, near EH13 0JU
The Colinton Tunnel is a old Victorian railway tunnel and now an exciting art project on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The tunnel is just to the east of the site of the old Colinton Station, which operated from 1874 to 1967. The station no longer stands, but the railway line and tunnel now form part of the Water of Leith Walkway. When the tunnel re-opened to walkers and cyclists in the 1980s, lighting was installed, the walls were painted and the mural of a locomotive was added. But over time, the tunnel became dark, dirty and covered in graffiti, and the mural faded. It wasn’t a very nice place to walk through. Then in 2019, work started on new lighting and a colourful new mural by artist Chris Rutterford, that would transform the tunnel into a much more welcoming place.
The impressive new mural was completed in 2021. It tells the story of the area’s rich history and its connection to the famous poet Robert Louis Stevenson, who spent part of his childhood in Colinton. His poem “From a Railway Carriage” is illustrated across the tunnel’s walls, bringing his words to life in a vivid and engaging way. Today, the Colinton Tunnel is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists and art lovers, providing a unique cultural experience in Edinburgh.
5 things to do at the Colinton Tunnel
- Walk or cycle through the 140-metre tunnel, which is part of the scenic Water of Leith Walkway.
- Admire the murals, which stretch the length of the tunnel.
- Read the poem From a Railway Carriage by Robert Louis Stevenson, which is part of the mural. The poem describes a child’s rail journey through fast-changing countryside.
- Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities, such as taking a picture under the twisty rainbow or posing in front of the set of wings at the end of the tunnel.
- After exploring the tunnel, relax at nearby Spylaw Park, where you can have a picnic or visit the children’s playpark.
