Dean Village is a former village immediately northwest of the city center of Edinburgh. It was known as the “Water of Leith Village” and was the center of a successful grain milling area for more than 800 years. At one time there were eleven working mills there, driven by the strong currents of the Water of Leith.
Today Dean Village and Stockbridge are one of the most favorite places to live in Edinburgh. The Water of Leith is no longer the driver of windmills, but it lends itself for beautiful strolls. Along the river you will see stunning Georgian architecture right up until the water front and waterfalls that control the strong current. You will pass under and over many bridges that will almost make you forget that you are still in the center of the city!
The circular walk below will take you from the CODE hostel to Stockbridge from where you can follow the north part of the river towards Queensferry road. You will have a nice view of the Fettes College from S Learmonth Avenue. Continue straight and turn left into Dean path to reach the Dean cemetery after Ravelston terrace. You can exit the cemetery at the far end next to a pyramidal grave. You will then find Modern Art Two building first and across the road is the larger Modern Art One building. When facing the Modern Art One building you will find a car park on the left side, at the end of the car park you will find a gate leading onto a footpath, passing a Henry Moore sculpture and down a long flight of steps to reach the Water of Leith. Cross the footbridge and turn left on the far side. From here on you can simply follow the river back to Stockbridge.
Stockbridge is a very lively neighbourhood and houses the famous Stockbridge market every Sunday. You can also find loads of charity and vintage shops here. There are many cafes and restaurants to relax your weary feet 🙂
Right along the river, you will find the Museum of Modern Art. The Museum is divided in two buildings. Modern Art One, a neo-classical building designed by William Burn in 1825. Formerly the John Watson’s School, an institute for fatherless children, it was adapted for the Gallery in 1984. Modern Art Two, was originally built as the Dean Orphan Hospital in 1833 by Thomas Hamilton. In 1999 it was converted into a Gallery by Terry Farrell.
Open daily, 10am-5pm.
Closed 25 and 26 December and open on 1 January from 12 noon.
Extended opening during August.
Admission is free. A charge may be made for special exhibitions.
THE LoFT in New Town is only about 10 minutes walk from Stockbridge and Dean Village