Innocent Railway Tunnel & Path
The Innocent Railway Tunnel & Path offers a unique blend of Edinburgh’s industrial heritage and green space. Opened in 1831 as part of the horse‑drawn Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway, it was Scotland’s first railway tunnel, built to carry coal and goods into the city. Stretching 518 metres beneath Holyrood Park, the tunnel earned its “Innocent” nickname for its slow, steam‑free journeys. After closing to rail traffic in 1968, it was reopened in 1981 as a pedestrian and cycle route, now forming part of National Cycle Network Route 1. Emerging from its cool, echoing interior, the path continues through leafy corridors past Duddingston and Craigmillar to Brunstane, linking urban Edinburgh with the coast and countryside. Today it is both a commuter route and a leisure trail, offering an atmospheric gateway into the city’s past while connecting walkers and cyclists to some of its most scenic landscapes.
Edinburgh ScotlandThe Innocent Railway Tunnel in Edinburgh is a historic tunnel located beneath Holyrood Park, running from a residential close behind St Leonard’s police station near Holyrood Park Road and emerging at Craigmillar. Built in the 1820s and opening in 1831, it was part of the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway, originally used to transport coal by horse-drawn wagons, earning its name for being environmentally friendly and safe. The tunnel stretches over 500 meters and was the first underground railway tunnel in the UK. It fell out of commercial use in 1968 but was reopened as a pedestrian and cycling path in 1981, now part of National Cycle Route 1. The tunnel is well-lit and has a notable incline, making it a unique urban cycling and walking route. Nearby, visitors can explore Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat, and the Holyrood Distillery, offering a mix of natural beauty, history, and local flavor in this vibrant part of the city.
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