A NEW walking, wheeling and cycling link has been opened in Granton, as part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s Granton Regeneration project. 

The new route includes several different facets for improved active transport, such as a segregated cycle track, new and improved footways and crossing points, and resting points along the route. 

A statement from the council said added that “trees have been planted to improve biodiversity with more to be done in the next planting season and the section which joins Forthquarter Park has been significantly improved making this green public space more accessible”. 

It adds: “The route has also been designed to make sure it allows for bus routes to be extended in the future, where necessary, to accommodate housing and population growth in the area.” 

Walkers and cyclists using the new segregated route. Credit: The City of Edinburgh Council

The move is one of several projects for the £1.3bn regeneration of Granton, including plans to refurbish Granton Lighthouse. 

The lighthouse application proposes a partial change of use to add a cafe and a separate non-retail unit to the building. 

Transport convener Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said a regenerated Granton should be designed “to make it easy for local people to get around and visitors to access the area”. 

He added: “Making sure this new section joins up with future active travel routes is essential in ensuring pedestrian and cyclist priority where we can.  

“This allows people to choose clean, sustainable modes of transport while supporting our net zero 2030 goals, improving air quality and reducing congestion. 

“I’d like to thank local people for their patience while we carried out the work and have no doubt that the route’s completion will be of great benefit to everyone using it.” 

Cllr Jenkinson has faced controversy over the planned North-South tram extension proposal, with the northern portion beginning in Granton.  

It is expected that the new cycling and walking link would work alongside the new tram line. 

Campaigners against an option for the tram to be built along the Roseburn Path have criticised the new tram project. 

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