In my last post, I took you for a walk through Dean Village in Scotland.
My next stop was to St Bernard's Well a short distance away. Actually, in my normal wing it approach, I didn't know about this place, but I saw a sign at the village and decided to check it out. It was after all, only a quarter mile away.
Dean Bridge
As I turned into the lane, I was walking alongside the Water of Leith now. This is the river that flows through Dean Village, and was used to power the local mills back in the old days. Later on, when new mills were built in Leith less than 3 miles away, Dean Village started to decline.
Another landmark in the area is Dean Bridge. This was completed in 1831 and is one of the main access roads into the city center. The bridge is 136 meters long and spans across the entire Water of Leith. It looked really grand as I walked towards it.
As I stood underneath and looked 32 meters upwards to the four massive arches, I felt so small, as if I wasn't petite enough already. Looking up is one thing, I wondered what it felt like to look down from the bridge. Would one be in awe of the beauty of Dean Village ahead? Or perhaps they stood there looking down with desperation? That was in fact, what happened to many, as there was a period when Dean Bridge was a popular suicide spot.... Let's move on.
This was a very pleasant walk along the river, great for the whole family or if you're walking your dog. The path wasn't ultra spectacular or anything, more of a knowing you on a calm peaceful walk along the river side, near to the city buzz but not at it, if you know what I mean. Autumn walks are always very soothing because there's always an array of colours around you, and the weather is just right.
St Bernard's Well
I wasn't sure what to expect of St Bernard's Well, until I came across this beautiful statue by the side of the Water of Leith. It was gorgeous, surely this must be it.
The story goes that in 1760 a few kids discovered a mineral spring here. Some locals swore that that water had healing properties and could cure arthritis, back ache and even blindness. In 1789, a well was built to protect the source, and this was called the St Bernards Well. This is the entrance to the pump room for the well, but sadly it is only open to the public on certain days during the year. Still, it doesn't deserve the graffiti on the door. There are places for graffiti, but this is not one of them.
Eight pillars were erected above the well and topped with a dome. Finally a statue of Hygieia,the Goddess of Health was placed in the center.
I think it's fascinating how there is a dash of greek mythology in the center of Edinburgh. Hygieia looked so ... Goddess and divine, standing tall up on the open air greek temple.
Dean Garden
The area from where I left Dean Village. pass St Bernards Well and to the St Bernards Bridge, is called, yes you guessed correctly, Dean Garden. The nicer parts of the garden is on the other side of the river but I didn't go over. Not that I knew at the time. Anyway, it was a very pleasant walk and the short 10 minute stroll took me more than double the time by the time I got to St Bernards Bridge and left.
You can checkout all my travel post on the Pinmapple here or click on Mr Pinmapple below
