East Calder Waterfall

The waterfall at East Calder isn't some dramatic plunge you'd find in the Highlands - it's a modest cascade tucked beside a country walk near Newbridge, just outside Edinburgh. What makes it worth seeking out is the walk itself. You're following the Water of Leith through proper woodland, and the fall appears as a nice punctuation mark rather than the main event.

It's best visited in winter or after heavy rain when there's actual volume of water coming down. In summer, you might find yourself looking at a trickle and wondering why you bothered. The woodland walk is the real draw though - good underfoot in most seasons, gentle enough for families with older kids, and actually quite pleasant once you're away from the road noise.

Allow an hour for the round walk depending on your pace. There's no facility here - no car park, no cafe, no facilities - so come prepared. It's free and open whenever, really.

If you're staying at Linwater Caravan Park nearby, this makes a solid morning outing before heading into Edinburgh proper or exploring the other walks around the Pentland Hills. Don't make it your sole reason for visiting the area, but if you're in Newbridge and fancy a stretch of the legs with a bit of water to justify it, this does the job. The walk matters more than the waterfall itself.