A sheltered route out of town to the Bathgate Hills where the views will
make the climbs seem worthwhile! The sketch map indicates the route but you
will need the Spokes map for the routes in and out of town and OS sheet 65 for
the rest. About 50 miles.
The abbreviations R, L, T, X denote right turn, left turn, T-junction and
cross-roads.
Route
Leave by Union Canal towpath starting at Lochrin Basin. About 500 yards
after the second aqueduct at Slateford take footbridge over canal and main
road to join railway path at Easter Hailes Gate. Continue towards Colinton
and Balerno' where L and bear R following signs to Glenbrook.
On reaching the A70 turn L for 1 mile and then R to Kirknewton2.
100 yards beyond level crossing turn R and follow to A71 where R and immediately
L to T with B7015 where turn L. At sign for Almondell Country Park either
go on 20 yards and turn R through arch or go on 100 yards and turn R into
gap in wall (by Almond Grove). In first case go through park and then L at
cross roads to Pumpherston; in the second case follow path over viaduct3
bearing right at path junctions and on reaching road turn L to Pumpherston4.
At Pumpherston turn R to Uphall where turn L to Dechmont. Turn R at Dechrnont
and after 1.5 miles turn L to South Mains, turn R to North Mains and L by
Beecraig Country Park5. At T junction turn R passing Riccarton,
Wester and Little Ochiltree to another T junction where L to Threemiletown.
Turn R on B9080; after 3/4 mile turn L at SP to Hopetoun House. Cross the
A904 (with CARE) to Abercorn Church6 and after 1/4 mile turn L
into the Hopetoun Estate and on to South Queensferry.
Continue under Forth Bridge (to Stewart Terrace) and after 500 yards L and
immediately R. After passing Dalmeny Station turn R at T junction to Dalmeny
Village where R and L to T junction at foot of hill. Turn L and continue to
bridge over A90 and bear R to the Cramond Brig. Follow cycle paths back to
town.
Points of Interest
Many old watermills by Water of Leith (manufacture of paper, snuff, Scott's
Porage Oats etc).
Gliding from the old aerodrome before Kirknewton.
Spectacular views from viaduct of Almondell; visitor centre in Park.
Pumpherston was the centre of the world paraffin industry before liquid
oil was discovered.
Beecraigs has a visitor centre, fish farm and a deer farm. A small diversion
can be made to the Iron Age tomb on Cairnpapple Hill.
Abercorn has a famous old church dating from 12th century but with connections
back to 7th century.
Hopetoun House is open from Spring to Autumn.
Refreshments
Cafes in East Calder, Almondell Park, Beecraigs and the Hopetoun Garden Centre.
