Tranquil walled garden with very good access
5
5
Date of visit: September 2014
I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The approach drive is tarmac (with the odd pothole, but then this is Edinburgh!) and steel plates laid over the bridge. Ignore the main entrance to the garden, which has steps, but don't ignore the National Trust for Scotland's honesty box, which is located there. Carry on along the drive to Malleny House (private) and you will find an accessible entrance with a gate which swings inwards.
Disabled Access In and Around
0See above - once inside the garden the paths are all of small compacted gravel and offer mostly easy going. There is a slope down to the lower end of the garden and then back up again - this was no problem for this wheelchair user and her accompanist - and I think it would be manageable for a fit person self-propelling in a non-power chair.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
On-site parking a short wheel/walk from the garden. Regular service Lothian Buses 44 and 44A from the centre of Edinburgh via Dalry, Shandon, Slateford, Juniper Green & Currie. The bus stop is close to the driveway that leads to the garden. It is approximately a quarter of a mile from the bus stop to the accessible entrance to the garden.
Accessible Toilets
0There are no toilets on site
Staff
Excellent
Friendly and helpful custodian who told us not to worry about running the wheelchair over plants that trail onto the paths.
Additional Information
We have visited the garden at different times of year and always enjoyed it. It is a very peaceful place, separated from Balerno village by the Bavelaw Burn. A visit here could be combined with a wheelchair walk along the section of the Water of Leith from Balerno to Currie - see separate review.
