Colinton and Craiglockhart Dells provide a beautiful tree clad section of the Water of Leith Walkway. The woodlands are classfied as ancient or long-established and the most common trees are ash, lime, elm, birch, willow and hawthorn. On higher banks are oak, yew, holly, hornbeam, cedar, sweet chestnut and beech.

History and heritage

Redhall Castle and Redhall House, at the upstream entrance to Craiglockhart Dell, have long histories. The castle, built in the 13th century, was torched and razed by Cromwell in 1650. Redhall House, also reduced by Cromwell, was rebuilt in 1756 by George Ingles, who laid out the grounds, planted trees and bushes and created grottoes.

Wildlife

Protection from high banks and thick undergrowth make it a natural habitat for a range of wildlife. More than 80 species of birds have been recorded, including finches, tits, dippers, ousels, wrens and owls. Voles, frogs, rabbits, hares, weasles, stoats, foxes and occasionally roe deer have been seen.