Saughton Park has always offered some great opportunities for sport and family activities, from the 1950’s paddling pool to Fort Saughton which opened in 1986 the park has been the place for fun and fitness!
The paddling pool and the famous (infamous!) monkey swings of Fort Saughton are no longer, but there is lots to do including walking, cycling, skating and the all new Playground for All play park. Within the Walled Garden outdoor chess tables can be found in the footprint of the old Saughtonhall Mansion and there is also a Pétanque and boccia terrain. If you fancy something more strenuous, try the outdoor gym equipment which has been installed in the park!
Please read on for more information on the many options for recreation in the park.
Playground for All
The restoration project gave an opportunity to upgrade and enhance the existing playpark within Saughton Park with a core aim being to extend the area of the playpark and to make it accessible and inclusive for children of all abilities. This has been achieved and the playpark is looking great! It is split into different zones such as an exploration zone, a sensory area and a sea side zone.
An all new tarmac path system allows wheelchair access to all areas and there is lots of new equipment including a wheelchair trampoline, a wheelchair accessible roundabout as well as swings for all abilities. All you need to bring is your imagination! Or if you fancy sitting back and listening to the laughter, you can sit back in among the plants or under the trees on the new benches and picnic tables and relax, bring a picnic!
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The Friends got their hands dirty and planted all the 8000 new plants in the playpark beds and are very proud that such an inclusive playpark which gives lots of opportunities for adventurous play can be found in Saughton Park!
Cycling, Walking and Running
As part of the restoration project and with help of £500,000.00 from Sustrans, the new tarmac paths in the park have been developed as Active Travel routes and all the entrances have been greatly improved. The aim being to enhance ease of access and allow for better use of the routes through the park for those visiting and looking to wander around the park itself and for those passing through as part of the wider network of cycling, walking and running routes in Edinburgh.
The section of the National Cycle Network Route 1 known as the ‘Coast and Castles South’ section passes near to Saughton Park as it winds its long way from Dover to Shetland and Route 75 also runs nearby at Slateford Viaduct. The Park makes for a great stop off! Sustrans Loops and Links Routes 1 (Water of Leith at Saughton) and 5 (Western Tram/Canal) pass through the park for those wanting a less arduous cycle!
The John Muir Way runs through Saughton Park as part of the South Queensferry to Edinburgh section of the 134-mile-long coast to coast (Helensburgh to Dunbar) route which can be cycled, ran or walked.
Edinburgh's very own 12 and ¾ mile long Water of Leith Walkway also runs through Saughton Park as it follows the river from Balerno all the way to Leith. This path can be explored by bike or on foot and can be accessed at many points including at the park.
Skatepark
The Skatepark within Saughton Park is well known and has been well used since its opening in 2010. People of all ages come to use this great facility! One of the largest concrete skateparks in the UK, it is open 24 hours, is free to use and has something for all abilities, remember to bring your own equipment and to look out for the trainer tree!
Multi Use Games Area
With funding help from the SUEZ Communities Trust and support from the Edinburgh Inline Hockey Club a brand-new multi-use games area has been installed next to the new play park and outdoor gym, you can’t miss it! It has been designed to suit roller hockey and basketball, including wheelchair basketball.
Saughton Sports Complex
Edinburgh Leisure run Saughton Sports Complex found within Saughton Park. There are football pitches and an athletic track which is open to the public. For more information see the Edinburgh Leisure website.
