Thrill seekers are always on the hunt for unique spots to explore, and we’ve got a good one for you this time. What if we told you there is an abandoned 200-year-old tunnel sitting under Holyrood Park, waiting to be explored? Well, The Innocent Railway tunnel offers just that and more, and it is open to the public.
The Innocent Railway tunnel spans over 500 metres, 518 metres to be exact, and was used to transport coal used by the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway, built in the 1820s. The tunnel finally opened in 1831 and was used by horse carriages, receiving its name for being environmentally friendly and not contaminating the air with steam engine trains.
Eventually, the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway started taking passengers and steam engines completely replaced horses, being taken over by the North British Railway company. The line was nine miles long, running between Edinburgh and Dalkeith under the dead volcano that is Arthur’s Seat into central Edinburgh.
The Innocent Railway tunnel was fully operational until 1968, and was later reopened to pedestrians and cyclists in 1981. Now the tunnel is part of Route 1 on the National Cycle Network, covered in graffiti and has been reported for crimes such as robbery. The 1264-mile route on the National Cycle Network runs between Dover in Kent and Tain in Easter Ross, making it quite the adventure.
What is more, the tunnel boasts an incline of 1:30, so cycling might prove a challenge for many. However, fear not, for the path is well-lit and can get more crowded during the day, just please don’t go there at night, folks!
The Innocent Railway tunnel starts in a residential close behind St Leonard’s police station near Holyrood Park Road, coming out at Craigmillar. Well, we know what we’re doing for our next Edinburgh adventure, that’s for sure!