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

Dalkeith to Penicuik

This ride starts from Dalkeith and takes you along the North Esk valley to Penicuik and then by open moorland and upland forest to near Eddleston and back to Dalkeith by way of Gladhouse and Temple. This is a spectacular route of about 40 miles (with just a few wee hills)

Route

• Start at Eskbank roundabout on the west side of Dalkeith. (If approaching from Edinburgh the best route is to follow Gilmerton Road). Find the cycle track which starts about 100 yds back along the Lasswade Road (A768) - on the left-hand side at the Convenience Store.
• Follow the path for 1 mile to T with track, turn R and L onto new path after 200 yds. Continue to Bonnyrigg, Rosewell. ( Leaving Rosewell the track is picked up after crossing to other side of the Rosewell bypass, it continues to Roslin Station, Dalmore and (through tunnel) to Penicuik.
• In Penicuik turn L onto main road (A701) for 1 mile to top of hill and then fork R over Auchencorth Moss towards West Linton. After approx 5 miles turn L at X-roads and continue to T with A701 (again). Turn L onto main road for 2 miles and then R onto minor road by Whim Farm.
• Follow minor road to T with the A703 north of Eddleston (Pine Trees cafe is 200 yds to R at this junction). Turn L on A703 for 2 miles and then R (sp Gorebndge). After 4 miles R at X-roads (sp Gladhouse).
• At end of reservoir sharp L and continue through Yorkston to T where L to Temple; down hill and L over Braidwood Bridge. Immediately turn R over bridge to Carrington where R and after 1/2 mile L to T. Turn R and follow to X-roads (with B704) at Cockpen. Ahead to T with A7 where L for 1/2 mile to roundabout and R back to Eskbank.

Points of interest

1. At Roslin Station divert to Castle and Chapel.
2. Dalmore paper mill is the last extant on the North Esk (There were over 30).
3. In Penicuik the path ends close to a memorial to 300 French soldiers imprisoned there during the Napoleonic wars.
4. Auchencorth Moss is now being raped for coal and peat.
5. Gladhouse reservoir is a winter roost for several thousand migrating geese. Spectacular at dusk in winter.
6. At Carrington Mains Farm look out for ostriches!

Refreshments

Pinetrees Cafe just north of Eddleston is cyclist-friendly. Alternatively, a short diversion into West Linton to the Old Toll House Cafe.