Welcome to Friends of the River Almond Walkway
Scottish Charity SC045077
THE WALKWAY
The River Almond Walkway in Cramond
The River Almond Walkway is a scenic nature trail open to both locals and visitors. It winds through serene meadowlands, lush woodlands, and along dramatic clifftops, offering a rich habitat for diverse wildlife, including a wide variety of birds, plants, and trees. This popular route attracts walkers, cyclists, and runners alike. As a designated Core Path, it serves as a vital link between the coastal promenade and national cycle routes 1 and 75, making it an essential and well-loved part of the community.
WE ARE WORKING TO IMPROVE THE WALKWAY
Almond’s historic charm and beauty
Strategy
The organisation’s purpose, as outlined in its Constitution, is to protect, promote, and enhance the heritage and natural environment of the River Almond Walkway. Its mission is to safeguard the Walkway, ensuring its preservation and enjoyment for future generations.
Projects
Members of FRAW collaborate with Edinburgh Council and other strategic partners on significant projects, such as replacing the Salvesen Steps and enhancing Dowie’s Mill Weir. Their efforts are dedicated to representing and safeguarding the best interests of the Walkway.
Committee Members
The Committee is formed of Trustees, who meet regularly to plan work parties, provide updates on projects, and promote the work of FRAW.
Meetings
The Trustees meet regularly throughout the year to plan the Group’s activities. An AGM is held annually, allowing members to review the Group’s work and ensure its management complies with the requirements of OSCR, Scotland’s Charity Regulator.
Latest News
The ‘temporary’ scaffolding section of the Salvesen Steps constantly suffers from mindless vandalism and money has to be spent on a regular basis to repair the damage. Sadly, until we can get these steps replaced, this is likely to continue.
The investigations into the options of a cantilevered walkway around the cliff face, and a tunnel through the rock, have been completed and, perhaps not surprisingly in the current challenging financial environment, both of these have been ruled out on cost grounds.
The plan now is to construct new, semi-permanent steps to replace the scaffolding steps and the Council structures team is engaged with Mott MacDonald regarding the design and build contract for these. As soon as designs are received, the Council have committed to share these designs with FRAW. There is funding ‘ring fenced’ within to Council to cover some or all of the cost of these.
Funds are also available until February 2026 to keep the temporary structure open until the Council is ready to remove and renew.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at
friendsoftheriveralmondwalkway@gmail.com
When FRAW was established, there were no limits on how long an individual could serve as a Trustee. This approach has its advantages, allowing productive and dedicated individuals to continue in their roles as long as they wish. However, it can also reduce opportunities for fresh ideas and perspectives, and over time, enthusiasm and energy may wane.
We are looking for ‘new blood’ to bring fresh momentum to our work and to share theresponsibilities of various roles. No special skills or expertise are required—although experience with Facebook or other social media would be greatly appreciated—and the time commitment is minimal.
If you’re interested in helping us protect and conserve this precious natural environment, please contact us. We’ll be happy to provide more information about how you can get involved.
As previously reported, the proposal to replace the weir at Dowies Mill to improve fish passage along the river has been a long-running effort involving numerous surveys, public consultations, reports, and associated costs.
We sent out an email to our members recently informing them that the planning application for the installation of a rock ramp at Dowies Mill weir had been prepared and lodged. The application was open for comments until 4th April and the Council are now reviewing the comments and considering what recommendation should be made to the planning committee.
We don’t know when this will be considered by the Planning Committee, but we will update our members when the decision is known.
The FRAW Trustees supported the application and hope it is approved. Once the work is complete. We will see improved passage for fish without destroying the views around the river, or the structure of Cramond Brig and the banks of the river along the way.
PROJECTS WE HAVE DONE
We work to create a walkway
where biodiversity can thrive
Invasive Species along the River Almond Walkway
Why we work to remove Invasive Species along the River Almond Walkway Plant species occurring along the River Almond Walkway that require eradication or control Non-native species are those that have been introduced deliberately or accidentally by humans. It is interesting to note that a new Wildlife and Natural Environment...
Carrying Out Maintenance
The Importance of Maintenance Introduction Regular maintenance of the River Almond Walkway is vital to preserving its natural beauty, safety, and accessibility. Through the dedicated efforts of FRAW’s volunteers and work parties, the Walkway continues to be a cherished space for locals and visitors alike. Maintenance not only ensures that...
Plants and Tree Planting
Introduction The River Almond Walkway is home to a diverse range of plant and tree species, each playing a vital role in maintaining the area’s ecological balance and enhancing its natural beauty. Protecting and expanding this greenery is central to FRAW’s mission of promoting and preserving the Walkway for future...