Suggested Rides

Below are suggestions for day's rides, of moderate distance, from Edinburgh. We shall be adding to these suggestions from time to time.

• East Lothian - Musselburgh/Haddington
• Mid Lothian - Dalkeith/Penicuik
• West Lothian - Water of Leith/Beecraigs/Hopetoun House
• Mid Lothian - Eskbank / Granites / Soutra / Dalkeith

Musselburgh to Haddington

The first takes you to Haddington and the description starts from Musselburgh. (Use the Spokes map for the best route out of town). OS sheet 66; distance approx 40 miles.

The abbreviations R, L, T, X denote right turn, left turn, T-junction and cross-roads.

Route

• At the old Musselburgh Town Hall turn R (south) and at T-junction R and L to Inveresk
• Leaving Inveresk fork left (Crookston Road ) continue by path to a main road (A6094); go R over by-pass and L after 100yds onto minor road (unsigned), by Crookston farm.
• Climb the hill if you can, but be assured that most mortals walk up! At the top (where the road turns sharp L) go straight ahead on path for 1/2 mile, then ahead to X-roads; straight across, passing the Inveresk Research Institute to T with B6371.
• R on B6371 and L after 150yds by Buxley to T with B6355, where R and L after 50yds on to path; follow in straight line over hill to Penston. (1 1/4 miles). Turn R on B6363 for 3/4 mile,then fork L to T with A6093 at Jerusalem. Turn L.
• Follow the main road for 1/2 mile to X-roads where R to Samuelston and Begbie. After crossing River Tyne bear R and after 100yds go straight ahead and on to T with B6368 (formerly A6137) where L to Bolton.
• After 1/2 mile, R for further mile then L to rejoin B6368 to Haddington.
• Through Haddington (west) and R at lights onto A6137, (up the second and last hill of the day).
• At the crest of the hill L; after 1 mile fork R and after further 1/2 mile (downhill!) R at T to Coates farm. After 200yds L and carry on all the way to St. Germains level crossing.
• L on A198 for 1/2 mile where R to Port Seton, L to Prestonpans and back to Musselburgh (with option to follow shore by the lagoons).

Points of interest

1. Inveresk church stands on the site of a Roman fort at N end of Dere Street.
2. Falside Castle, recently restored, commands a superb view over the Esk valley. It is well worth a detour to the top of the hill.
3. Bolton church vestibule has memorials to members of Robert Burns' family. (On the direct route from Begbie to Haddington you pass (on the B6368) the well used by the Burns family).
4. Lennoxlove House is open seasonably. (Good tea room).
5. Haddington: shops, cafes (including Tesco's), pubs and a herb garden!
6. Hopetoun monument; spectacular views. The guide in the car park recommends a torch. (More fun without one, especially in sunglasses!).
7. Seton Collegiate church: one of East Lothian's most historic buildings.
8. Prestonpans; information on the salt industry behind Auldhamer House.

Refreshments

Several cafes in Haddington.